FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19, 2005

CONTACT:
Sergio Gutierrez, Director of Communications
303-715-3230

STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP CHARLES CHAPUT 

"The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI is a tremendous moment for the Church and a great affirmation of the legacy of Pope John Paul II.

Today's events may have been more of a surprise to those outside the Catholic community than they would be to anyone who has lived the Catholic faith seriously over the last two decades. People with direct experience of Cardinal Ratzinger invariably encountered a man of character, kindness, refined intelligence, humility, simplicity and grace; a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and a faithful son of the Second Vatican Council where he served as a theologian.

Pope Benedict XVI will pastor the People of God with dedication and love. He will be a great Holy Father to us all."

+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Denver

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