This is a moment of great joy for Catholics all over the world. Pope
Francis is the 266th successor of Peter. From the moment the white smoke
was first seen we have welcomed him with great thanks. And now,
following the example of Benedict XVI, we express to him our
unconditional reverence and obedience. And also our affection and
prayer, continuing the prayers that we shared with the Pope during his
first appearance on the balcony of the Hall of Blessings in Saint
Peter’s Basilica.
In this moment filled with emotion, when the Church’s universality is
vividly sensed, I reaffirm to the new Roman Pontiff complete adhesion to
his person and ministry, with the certainty that I am expressing the
sentiments of the faithful, both priests and laity, of the Prelature of
Opus Dei. We all entrust ourselves to the prayers of His Holiness, in
order to contribute effectively, with joyful availability, to the work
of evangelization that the Pope has mentioned in his first greeting to
the Church.
During these weeks of serene waiting, much has been said about the
burden that weighs on the shoulders of the Holy Father. But let us not
forget that the Pope relies on God’s help, on the assistance of the Holy
Spirit and the affection and prayers of all Catholics, and of millions
of other men and women of good will.
As Saint Josemaría Escrivá always advised, I ask our Lord today very
especially that all of us Catholics may share “one will, one heart, one
spirit, so that omnes cum Petro ad Iesum per Mariam—so that we may all go to Jesus, closely united to the Pope, through Mary" (The Forge, 647).
+ Javier Echevarría
Prelate of Opus Dei
Pope Francis
