Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland held a 4:30 p.m. news conference in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland following the election of a new Holy Father earlier this afternoon in Vatican City.
Click play for the video highlights of the press conference
The following is a written statement read at the news conference by Bishop Lennon:
"Thank God for our New Holy Father.
The election of Pope Francis brings new leadership to the Catholic Faithful here in the Diocese of Cleveland and around the world. Francis is the new name chosen by Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Cardinal-Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
As Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church, we pray that his word and example inspire and guide the Church.
I ask for the prayers of all people in the Diocese of Cleveland, Catholics as well as of our brothers and sisters of other religious convictions, that the Lord give our new shepherd a spirit of courage, right judgment, knowledge, and love. I also pray that Pope Francis may be a champion of the poor, a reconciler of nations, and a force for peace and unity in our world."
March 13, 2013
Click here to visit our web site section dedicated to the election of Pope Francis.