Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!

On March 13, 2013 the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., who has taken the name of Pope Francis, as our next Holy Father.

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki and Auxiliary Bishop Donald J. Hying both express great joy in the announcement.

Statement from Archbishop Listecki:

“With joy in our hearts and gratitude to God, we give thanks for our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, "said Archbishop Listecki. "May the Holy Spirit guide him in his ministry to the Universal Church as the Spirit guided the College of Cardinals in his election as pope. As the Archbishop of Milwaukee, I pledge to Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., my love and support, along with the prayers of the entire Church of southeastern Wisconsin.”

"Con alegría en nuestros corazones y gratitud a Dios, damos gracias a nuestro nuevo Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco que el Espíritu Santo lo guíe en su ministerio a la Iglesia universal de la misma manera que guío al Colegio de Cardenales en su elección como papa. Como Arzobispo de Milwaukee, brindaré mi amor y apoyo a Papa Francisco, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.I., junto con las oraciones de toda la Iglesia en el sureste de Wisconsin."

Statement from Bishop Hying:

"With great hope and joy, we thank Almighty God for our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he begins his Petrine ministry," said Bishop Hying. "We pledge our prayers and support to him, as he continues the challenging but fruitful task of shepherding the universal Church. Amidst the challenges of rising secularity, materialism, violence and poverty, the voice, example and leadership of Pope Francis will continue to call the world to the light of Christ, the One who offers everyone peace and salvation."  

"What an exciting time for us, as we join fellow believers around the world in proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord with fresh enthusiasm, in union with our new Holy Father."

"Con gran esperanza y alegría, damos gracias a Dios Todopoderoso por nuestro nuevo Santo Papa, el Papa Francisco. al iniciar su ministerio Petrino.  Brindamos nuestras oraciones y nuestro apoyo, ya que continuará la difícil pero fructífera tarea de guiar la Iglesia universal. En medio de los desafíos de la secularización creciente, el materialismo, la violencia y la pobreza, que la voz, el ejemplo y el liderazgo del Papa Francisco, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.I. continúe llamando al mundo a la luz de Cristo, Él que ofrece la paz y la salvación a todos. Qué momento tan emocionante para nosotros, al unirnos con los creyentes de todo el mundo para proclamar el Evangelio del Señor con un renovado entusiasmo, en unión con nuestro nuevo Santo Padre."