Dear Brother Priests, Deacons and Subdeacons, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Faithful;

The Lord has given his Church another successor of Peter, a missionary at heart, filled with a kind and sacrificial love, who wishes peace to all in the spirit of the Crucified and Risen Christ.

Within 24 hours the more than 130 Cardinal electors discerned (with two thirds majority) whom our Lord has in mind to lead the Church in the direction of the Holy Spirit. This clarity and unity is a great gift for the Church and for the world. We are so very grateful.

Let each of us promise our obedience and support to this new Bishop of Rome and Pontiff of the Universal Church.

May the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Saint Leo the Great, the Mother of God, Saint Joseph, and all the saints be with us.

+ Gregory