AMERICA/MEXICO - The newly elected Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI will confirm the people fidelity to God and His will

Guadalajara (Fides Service) - “People rushed to the main city square the thank God for giving the Church a new shepherd after his own heart. People cried for joy when they realised the smoke from the Sistine chapel chimney was white” Fr Francisco Gonzales of the archdiocese of Guadalajara in Mexico told Fides. He said that while people prayed for the repose of the soul of John Paul II they also prayed God to send a new Pope. “The Lord listens to the prayers of his people and he answered quickly. Masses of thanksgiving will be celebrated in every parish and community to thank God for giving us this new shepherd in the person of Benedict XVI who will confirm the people in their fidelity to God and His will. We know the new Pope will be enlightened and strengthened so he can shoulder with fervour, conviction and enthusiasm the difficult mission God has entrusted to him”. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 19/4/2005)