Election of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

21 April 2005

On behalf of all Australians, I extend my warm congratulations to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as the newly elected spiritual leader to over one billion Catholics world wide. His Holiness assumes high office at a time of great global change, tinged with concerns and uncertainties on a wide range of issues. Marlena and I join with the Catholic and wider Australian community in praying for God’s blessing on His Holiness and in asking the Holy Spirit to guide him with profound wisdom and compassion.