VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark released the following statement on the accession of Francis I:
"In accordance with their centuries-old tradition, the College of Cardinals today elected a new Pope.
"For almost 700,000 Catholics in British Columbia, Pope Francis is their spiritual leader, and successor to a direct line going all the way back to Saint Peter. And for those who adhere to a different faith, the Pope is a world leader of truly global influence.
"The Holy Father's choice of the name Francis is wonderful. Saint Francis Xavier worked tirelessly to broaden the Church's horizons beyond Europe - a fitting choice for the first Pope from the Americas.
"On behalf of all British Columbians, I want to extend my most sincere congratulations to the Holy Father on his accession and to Catholics on this most joyous occasion."
e-mail News to VNN Return to PlayInVictoria.net
"this page and website is in beta and is subject to change or be removed without notice"
