Archbishop Beltran's Statement on Pope Benedict XVI

To all the people of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City- I say rejoice with me and with the Universal Catholic Church on the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

Upon hearing the news of his election, I issued the following press release:

April 19, 2005

As most of us are already aware, prior to his election, Pope Benedict XVI, was head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In that capacity he always gave evidence of tremendous concern related to the impact of secularism in the Western World. While we in the West have experienced an abundance of wealth, tremendous improvements in medicine, and a flourishing of the arts, we have also seen a turning away from authentic spirituality. In the midst of our abundance, our culture tends to turn away from an authentic striving to come to know and worship God. It is my hope that Pope Benedict will leads us in a re-evangelization of Europe and the West while continuing to encourage the spread of the Gospel throughout Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

When we look at the history of the lives of the popes we are oftentimes surprised by the manner in which the Holy Spirit calls forth unexpected gifts from each of them. I look forward to the leadership Pope Benedict XVI will give to our Church and anticipate an abundance of gifts related to his service.

Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran
Archbishop of Oklahoma City