AMERICA - “We confirm our faith in the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church and thank God for giving us a new Bishop of Rome and universal Shepherd of the Church : CELAM congratulates the Holy Father Pope Padre Benedict XVI

Bogota (Fides Service) - In a letter of congratulations to Pope Benedict XVI the Council of Latin American Bishops’ Conferences CELAM expressed joy for his election underlining that his first words demonstrated his “humility, wisdom, and his confidence in God and in the prayers and assistance of all”. In the letter CELAM said “this ecclesial event is a privileged sign of unity, communion and hope. We confirm our faith in the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church and thank the all merciful God for the new Bishop of Rome and universal Shepherd of the People of God”. CELAM also confirms its communion “cum Petro et sub Petro” assuring the Supreme Pontiff of its readiness to co-operate in the work of promoting communion and new evangelisation in the Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean . (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2005; righe 12, parole 149)