ELECTION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI

20 April 2005

The President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, today welcomed the election of Pope Benedict XVI to lead the Roman Catholic Church in the 21st Century.

Rev. Drayton also paid tribute to the amazing witness to the gospel that had been given by Pope John Paul II in his life and especially in his suffering.

“At his funeral as world leaders paid tribute it was clear that in, and through Pope John Paul II and many other leaders, the Christian church found its way through the 20th century. With faith and hope the Church saw off the challenges of fascism, communism and apartheid, while calling for an alternative to the rampant consumerism of the capitalist West. The Pope’s pointed attention to the needs of the poor and their human hopes gave a voice to billions who otherwise would not have been heard,” Rev. Drayton said.

“Now, with the election of Pope Benedict XVI, we pray for him in the daunting task that he has before him. He shares with all Christian leaders the need to engage with the issues of the 21st century. Few others have his responsibility to provide leadership for such a diverse church in a diverse world.

“We look forward to the way that he will continue dialogues with other world religions, further ecumenical relationships and provide a voice for those who suffer injustice in the world.”

ENDS

Rev. Drayton is available for interview on request