Dear brothers and sisters,

After the Great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in the Lord's vineyard.

I am comforted by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and act even with insufficient instruments. And above all, I entrust myself to your prayers.

With the joy of the risen Lord and confidence in his constant help, we will go forward.

The Lord will help us and Mary his most holy mother will be alongside us.

Thank you.

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Research Note: Address delivered in Italian from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and translated by Reuters.

Page Updated: 1/17/21

U.S. Copyright Status: Text = Uncertain.