Our archbishops have pledged their prayers and support to the Roman Catholic Church in these islands as it comes to terms with the news that it must prepare for a new leader. They've issued the following brief statement:

"The Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia send their prayers and thoughts to the Roman Catholic Church in our region as this present pontificate comes to an end and preparations for a new papacy begin.

"We uphold our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church during this time of transition and give thanks for the partnership in Christ that we share in many ways and in many different places."

 ++David Moxon, ++Winston Halapua, ++Brown Turei