The Irish Jesuit Provincial Fr Tom Layden last night warmly welcomed the news of the election of Pope Francis. Yesterday he wrote to the members of the Irish Province asking them to pray that the Holy Spirit would be with the Cardinals in the conclave.

“It was moving for me as a Jesuit when the new Pope appeared on the balcony and I reflected that his life of service of the Lord and of the Church had begun in the Society of Jesus. Hearing the news of the election of Pope Francis moves us to pray for him as he takes on this new responsibility. I was deeply moved also when the Pope asked for prayers for himself and when he bowed in that moment of silence.” he said.

“The Irish Jesuits will pray for him that the Lord will bless him in his ministry of leadership in the Church. Aware of his great love for the poor, and of his own simple lifestyle we hope that all Christians will be motivated to work with greater energy for justice and peace in our divided and broken world. And may the prayers of St Francis accompany him at this moment in his own life.”

Click here to read the Statement of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus

Click here to read Biographical Notes of Pope Francis

Watch here the announcement of the election of Pope Francis and his first appearance

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