AMERICA/CANADA - Aware of the global dimensions of its challenges and problems, contemporary society is searching for a universal pastor and teacher to proclaim the news of salvation, who articulates the joys and the hopes, fears and anxieties of this age”: Canadian Bishops send Message of congratulations to Benedict XVI

Ottawa (Fides Service) - Most Reverend Brendan M. O’Brien, Archbishop of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), sent a letter of congratulations to Pope Benedict XVI on his election, in which he said Roman and Eastern Catholics in Canada united with their Bishops, “greet with joy the news of your election as Bishop of Rome, successor of Peter and head of the College of Bishops.”.
“The ministry that you are beginning holds greater interest than ever to a world which has truly become a ‘global village’ through the instant communications of Internet and the mass media,” stated Archbishop O’Brien. “Aware of the global dimensions of its challenges and problems, contemporary society is searching for a universal pastor and teacher to proclaim the news of salvation, who articulates the joys and the hopes, fears and anxieties of this age. Making our own the words of Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans appealing through our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Holy Spirit, my brothers and sisters in faith join me in earnest prayer to Our Father on your behalf, that the God of hope fill you with joy and peace”. (R.G.) (Agenzia Fides 20/4/2005, righe 12, parole 178)