PRESS RELEASE
17 APRIL 2005
STATEMENT FROM DR SEAN BRADY, ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH
FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE CONCLAVE TO ELECT A
SUCCESSOR TO POPE JOHN PAUL II
* “Election of a new Pope is important for the whole human family” –
Archbishop Brady
* Archbishop Brady celebrates Mass for Cardinals in Armagh at 7.30pm,
Monday 18th April 2005
As the Conclave to elect a new Pope begins, Catholic Primate, Archbishop Seán
Brady, has asked ‘all people of goodwill’ to join with Catholics in praying
for the Cardinals who will elect the next Pope.
Announcing that a ‘Mass for the election of a new Pope’ will be held in St.
Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh at 7.30 p.m. this evening, the first evening of
the Conclave, Archbishop Brady said:
‘The election of a new Pope is an important event for the whole human family.
We have been blessed at the beginning of the third millennium with a deeper
sense of our common humanity, with a shared sense of responsibility for a more
just and peaceful world. The man who is elected Pope in the coming days will
play a critical part in progressing that search, in engaging with people of
all faiths and none in constructive dialogue about the joy and hopes, the
challenges and the fears of the world, at the beginning of a new millennium.
It is a daunting prospect. The man chosen will need a wide range of human and
spiritual gifts. Most of all, he will need a deep faith in the providence of
God.’
Expressing his gratitude to the many people from a wide range of backgrounds,
who conveyed their sympathy after the death of Pope John Paul II, Archbishop
Brady said that ‘people from a wide variety of backgrounds have told me that
they will be praying for the Cardinals during the Conclave. Their prayers and
expressions of support are just some of the many signs of a growing respect
between people of all beliefs which gives me great hope for the future.’
Referring to the Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh this evening, and
other similar services due to take place around the country, Archbishop Brady
concluded: ‘I ask Catholics across Ireland to spend time in prayer today and
throughout the coming week for the Cardinals who will elect our next Pope.
They have gathered in prayer in the Sistine Chapel, like the Apostles in
the upper room. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire their actions,
as we pray, in the words of the Mass, for a shepherd who will be an example
of goodness and hope to the world.’
Ends
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)
