March 14, 2013

Newly-elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, waves after praying at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome March 14. (CNS photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters)

Bishop Terry R. LaValley issued the following statement upon hearing of the election of the new pope: Sing a New Song Unto the Lord—We have a Pope!!  What joyous news we have received!  I join the faithful from throughout the Diocese of Ogdensburg in giving thanks to Almighty God for the gift of a new shepherd, Pope Francis.  We are grateful to the Cardinal-electors for their inspired choice of this new successor to Peter the Apostle. Our new Pope, the first ever from the Americas, is truly a wonderful gift to the universal Church and the world.  This remarkable election signals a springtime in the life of the Church.  Pope Francis can be assured of the prayerful support of us all.  May God bless him abundantly as he beings his Petrine Ministry of love and service.