Bishops welcome Pope Francis' appointment (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bishops welcome Pope Francis' appointment

10:20am Sunday 17th March 2013 in News

THE Bishop of Worcester has welcomed the election of the new pope.
Dr John Inge, said: “The election of Pope Francis I is a ground-breaking one.

As an ‘outsider’ he will bring a refreshingly new perspective to the Vatican.

“All that I have read about him suggests that he is a man of great holiness, which is very encouraging. The church and the world both need that. He and all those whom he will lead are very much in my prayers.”

The Bishop of Dudley, David Walker, said: “The appointment of Pope Francis is a great cause for celebration. It was announced whilst I was at a meeting at Kidderminster Baptist Church and was greeted with a spontaneous round of applause.

“I particularly welcome the name he has chosen to be known by. The Church of England has its own Franciscan movement, of which I am a part. Its members are men and women who are committed to living lives marked out by love, humility and joy. In his time as archbishop in Argentina, Pope Francis has shown these same qualities, in his care for the poor, his simple lifestyle and his travelling by bus. I pray that he will bring them equally to the exercise of his new office. His choice of name suggests he will.”