Roman Catholic bishops in New Zealand awoke this morning to the message ‘Habemus Papem’ (we have a Pope) with joy and excitement.  

“We’ve been prayerfully watching the conclave and awaiting an announcement of a new Pope with hope and anticipation," said Archbishop John Dew, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

“It’s a wonderful time for our church. We welcome the news that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has said yes to this special ministry that is now entrusted to him.

“We believe that through prayer and reflection the Holy Spirit has guided the choice of a man for the time, that whatever his papacy holds he is the man chosen for it, he said.

“We pray that Pope Francis embraces this noble calling with a generous heart that he remains a faithful servant to God and the Church.

“We joined Pope Francis as he led us all around the world in praying for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI...

“Pope Francis will bring his Jesuit charism and philosophy to his papacy.

“The New Zealand bishops will be sending an official message shortly to the Vatican to offer our prayers and support for him in his papacy."

Archbishop Dew said the choice of the name Pope Francis could be seen as a sign of a sense of social justice and a desire to live a life of simplicity,