News Release: Welcoming the Election of Pope Francis

(Lansing)—Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO Paul A. Long made the following statement today following the election of Pope Francis as the 266th successor of St. Peter:

“With a profound sense of happiness and joy, Michigan Catholic Conference welcomes the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as His Holiness Pope Francis. We pause to celebrate and give thanks for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit that worked throughout the papal conclave. We offer our prayers that Pope Francis will guide the Church with love toward universal peace and salvation, and that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire all elected officials to promote the common good for all people.”

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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