Statement of Bishop Willie Walsh on the election of Pope Benedict XVI

21 Apr 2005

PRESS RELEASE

21 APRIL 2005

STATEMENT OF BISHOP WILLIE WALSH

ON THE ELECTION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI

 
I welcome the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI.  
I join with the people of our Diocese of Killaloe in giving thanks to God
for our new Pope and in praying that the Holy Spirit may inspire him and
guide him in the awsome task of leading our Church at this very challenging
time.
 
 He brings to that task an outstanding intellect, a deep spirituality and
significant pastoral experience as Priest and Bishop in his native Germany.  
His reputation as a theologian brought him to Rome to work closely with
his predecessor Pope John Paul 11.  
 
On the day of his election he described himself as a “humble worker in the
vineyard of the Lord” reflecting the traditional description of the Pope as
“the servant of the servants of God”.  May his labours yield a fruitful
harvest for our Church.
 
 At this time of new beginnings may each one of us be renewed in our service
to the good news of Jesus Christ.  
 
+  Willie Walsh
Bishop of Killaloe.
 
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)