U.S. Bishops express thanks on 1st anniversary of Pope Francis, highlighting
concern for poor and marginalized and his Curia reforms
(Vatican Radio) The U.S Catholic Bishops say the first anniversary of Pope Francis’s
election on March 13th is a time to give thanks, highlighting his concern
for the poor and marginalized and his reforms of the Curia. The statement was issued
by the U.S. Bishops’ Administrative Committee which is meeting in Washington on Tuesday
and Wednesday (March 11th and 12th).
In a statement
issued on March 11th, the U.S. bishops said Pope Francis “has encouraged
us to be a Church of the poor and for the poor, reaching out to the marginalized and
being present to those on the periphery of society.” “He has set an example by choosing
a personal simplicity of life, by washing the feet of prisoners, and by taking into
his hands and kissing the badly disfigured.”
Please find below the entire
statement:
STATEMENT OF THE USCCB ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE ANNIVERSARY
OF THE ELECTION OF POPE FRANCIS
“Gathered together in Washington, DC, for
their annual March meeting, the members of the Administrative Committee of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops have noted with thanksgiving the first anniversary
of the election of His Holiness Pope Francis as the 266th successor of the Apostle
Peter.
In his first year in office, Pope Francis has consistently called
upon Catholics to look again at the fundamental values of the Gospel. He has encouraged
us to be a Church of the poor and for the poor, reaching out to the marginalized and
being present to those on the periphery of society. He has set an example by choosing
a personal simplicity of life, by washing the feet of prisoners, and by taking into
his hands and kissing the badly disfigured. His Holiness has also set in motion a
process that will lead to the reshaping of the Roman Curia in a way that will enhance
the effectiveness of his ministry and better serve the needs of the Church in our
present day.
In this way the Holy Father has brought to light new dimensions
of the Petrine Ministry and added new life to the office he holds. His constant outreach
to the alienated, his emphasis on mercy and his sheer humanity have served as an inspiration
not only to Catholics but also to other Christians and people of good will around
the globe. 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.”