From the Desk of
Bishop Edward U. Kmiec

April 19, 2005

Dear Friends in Christ:

This is a day for the family of the Diocese of Buffalo to rejoice with the election of Pope Benedict XVI.

We give thanks to the Holy Spirit for guiding the College of Cardinals in making this important decision for the Catholic Church. In Pope Benedict's words, he is a "simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord."

I ask the clergy, religious and laity of the diocese to join me in prayer for our new Holy Father, that he will be an example of goodness to all people and will fill our hearts and minds with the truth of the Gospel and God's love for us all.

Devotedly in Christ,
+Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec
Bishop of Buffalo