“ Oremus pro beatissimo Papa nostro Benedicto …. Let us pray for our most blessed Pope, Benedict,

Dominus conservet eum … may God preserve him,

et vivificet eum …and fill him with life,

et beatum faciat eum in terra …. and make him blessed one earth, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius … and not hand him over to his enemies.”

Archbishop Gullickson

The simple prayer was uttered by Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Thomas E Gullickson, in closing remarks at the April 25 Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate the election of Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict XVI, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was elected by the College of Cardinals to succeed Pope John Paul II. He was installed as head of the Church at an April 24 Mass.

Archbishop Gullickson, the Holy Father's representative to the Caribbean , thanked those in attendance and asked that they continue praying for the new pope – a request made by the Pope himself to Catholics worldwide.

More than 40 priests concelebrated with retired Bishop John Mendes, Archbishop Gullickson and chief celebrant and homilist, Archbishop Gilbert.

In his homily, the archbishop identified some of the challenges that have emerged from this historic Church event.

One challenge is for all Catholic faithful to pray not only for the new pontiff, but for those who will assist him in his papal ministry to the Church and the world.

Noting the immense pressure Pope Benedict XVI will be faced with, which the pope himself has acknowledged, the archbishop advised: “There should not be a day we do not pray for the Holy Father”.

Another challenge, he continued, is for us to remain open to his teachings, reflect on them, and to be “obedient in faith”.

Maria Afong, Sir Ellis Clarke and Sr Catherine Therese present the gifts to Archbishop Gilbert at last Monday's Pontifical Mass.

Archbishop Gilbert highlighted key aspects of the Holy Father's homily at his installation Mass. He said Pope Benedict XVI would seek to evangelise a secular Europe , work for peace around the world, the renewal of the clergy and Church, and focus attention on the ecumenical movement.

“He is going to be the universal shepherd… with an outreach to the world,” Archbishop Gilbert remarked.

We must respond to his papacy by collaborating with him “in becoming the shepherd to the world,” he urged.

The Archdiocesan Pontifical Choir, clergy and congregation lustily sang Hail to Christ's Vicar before closing with the Recessional hymn. Among those in the congregation were many religious, former President Ellis Clarke and Inter Religious Organisation member, Bro Harrypersad Maharaj.

Archbishop Gullickson told Catholic News after the Mass that other dioceses in the region had planned similar Masses, with a few bishops contacting him to express their commitment to the new pope. - RS