One year ago, Benedict XVI was elected as the Successor of Peter, receiving the baton from John Paul II. One year is a very short span of time in the history of the Church, but sufficient for us to experience once again that in the transition from one Pope to another, over and above differences of personality, there is clear continuity.

Underlying this continuity, there is above all the assistance which the Holy Spirit offers the Church, and the prayer of the faithful for their Supreme Pastor. Unity among Catholics does not mean uniformity in things that are matters of opinion or changeable, but rather communion in the same faith, in identical hope, in fraternal charity, which, if we respond faithfully, will make us one heart and soul in Jesus Christ.

The world needs all of us in the Church to show the utmost loyalty to her mission of service, and a firm commitment in the truth. For this we now count on Pope Benedict XVI who, together with his well known human qualities, offers us in particular a firm testimony of faith in this God of ours who is Love. The Lord wants Catholics to respond to the grace that moves us to adhere with our whole mind to the Magisterium of the Pope, and to pray daily, from the heart, for him and for his intentions.”

Video of the Prelate's comments (Spanish)

(Real Player needed. To install click here and follow the instructions).