The Sisters of the Precious Blood reacted to the election of Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio with words of encouragement for the new pontiff.
“We offer our prayers, support and best wishes to Pope Francis I as he assumes his position as Bishop of Rome and leader of the universal church,” Sister Joyce Lehman, president of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. “May God grant him the wisdom and courage to follow always the promptings of the Holy Spirit in shepherding the People of God.”
Jorge Bergoglio is the first South American and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy. Precious Blood Sisters have close ties South America, having ministered in Chile for decades.
Story and photo by Dave Eck
Sisters of the Precious Blood at the Congregation’s administrative offices in Dayton watch news coverage of the announcement of a new pope on March 13. From left, Sisters Mary Yarger, Linda Pleiman, Nancy McMullen and Nancy Kinross (back to camera).