The Diocese of Westminster Mass for Pope Francis was held on 10 April and celebrated by the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. Bishop Alan Hopes concelebrated the Mass which was also attended by Fr Dermot Preston SJ, the Jesuit Provincial of the British Province.
The Mass had a particularly large congregation, coming from across the Diocese, seeking to celebrate in the election of the new Pope.
In his homily Archbishop Nichols reflected on ‘early flowering’ of the talent Pope Francis has shown since become the Holy Father. These included: "his presence in the public eye as a firm witness to the joy and hope which a solid relationship with Christ brings into our lives; his ability to convey the love, mercy and tenderness of God in his words and gestures; his radiant humility combined with firmness of action; his utter commitment to the dignity of all human life from the beginnings of that life to its natural end.”
As well as his talents Archbishop Nichols also considered the three Gospel readings which help to explain the role of the Holy Father within the Catholic Church. His Grace went on to explain that these three characteristics – As a symbol of unity, of spreading the Good News and to foster the community’s love of God – have already been shown to us in the leadership of Pope Francis.
A full copy of Archbishop Nichols’ Homily is available here
Further photos are available on the Diocesan Flickr site here
