On March 13, 2013, as white smoke appeared from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and bells began to ring at approximately 7:05pm in Rome, the world anxiously awaited as moments later Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was introduced as Pope Francis.
Bishop Lennon watches TV Coverage of the
Election of Pope Francis
Click PLAY to watch the white smoke
appear from the Sistine Chapel
Click PLAY to watch Pope Francis
address the crowd from St. Peter's Greeting the people gathered in St. Peter's Square and around the world with a simple, "good evening" Pope Francis began his Petrine Ministry by asking everyone to pause and pray for him. On this, the one-year anniversary of his election, the Holy Father tweeted again simply to "Please pray for me" (www.twitter.com/pontifex).
In honor of this day, the Vatican has published a special online book containing pictures and quotes from the Holy Father. You can access the book by clicking HERE.
The social media universe is abuzz sharing videos, pictures and reflections on the first year of Pope Francis' ministry including simple tweets regarding where one was when they heard the news.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement earlier this week:
On this first anniversary of his election, the Administrative Committee invites the prayers of all the faithful that Christ our Lord will bless Pope Francis and grant him many years of fruitful ministry as Bishop of Rome, as the Servant of the Servants of God.
To read the entire statement click HERE
The Diocese of Cleveland joins their voices with those from around the world in praying for Pope Francis as he leads the Church.