Here's my bishy on Papa Ratzi (PDF):
"With gratitude and thanks to Almighty God and enormous happiness, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria welcomes the election of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the Chair of Saint Peter. Our new Pope has a vast experience in serving the Catholic Church throughout the world, he is a great scholar, a linguist, but most of all he is a humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I have asked that every parish of the Diocese observe this Sunday, April 24, the Fifth Sunday of Easter as a day of special prayers and thanksgiving. I also invite all the priests, deacons, religious and faithful to gather with me in the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception at 7:15 p.m. on Monday April 25th for a special Mass of Thanksgiving.
On behalf of the entire Catholic community I would also like to express a deep appreciation to all those many people of good will here in Central Illinois who have consoled us in our sorrow and now join us in our joy.
