On Monday 16th April, at the start of the week of Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings, Cardinal Vincent sent a message to Her Majesty The Queen on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales, offering prayers and good wishes. In the letter, the Cardinal writes:
'Your Majesty,
'As the Heads of the countries of the Commonwealth join and meet with you in London today at the beginning of the Heads of Government Meeting, we, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, send our prayers and good wishes to you and to all who will participate in this important gathering.
'The Commonwealth is a wonderfully diverse community of nations and organisations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. These values are intrinsic to promoting the dignity of the human person and the common good, both of which are at the heart of Catholic teaching.
'As the Head of the Commonwealth, Your Majesty’s personal commitment over many years to reinforcing the bonds of unity whilst celebrating the diversity of each nation is an inspiration to us all. Your Majesty’s role within the Commonwealth family has been a paradigm of selfless service to the people of the Commonwealth.
'Your Majesty, may you and all leaders of the nations be inspired by the values of the Commonwealth, and may this meeting of the Heads of Government bear much positive fruit for all.
'With all good wishes,
Vincent Cardinal Nichols
President
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales'
