“I am confident that Pope Benedict XVI will be a good shepherd for the Church, continuing the many compassionate and humanitarian works of his predecessor and close friend, Pope John Paul the Great,” Smith said.   

“Catholics and believers of all faiths look to him to further the culture of life, advance world peace, and serve as a constant moral force in a troubled world. 

“His first words to the world as Pope were those of a humble servant.  My hopes and prayers are with him.”

            Smith, who attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral which was celebrated by Cardinal Ratzinger said, “Cardinal Ratzinger did an amazing job at John Paul II’s funeral mass, demonstrating that he was extraordinarily gifted for that extraordinary religious event witnessed by billions worldwide.  His homily was brilliant, spiritually enriching and uplifting.

            “Pope Benedict XVI has served as the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since 1981 and was elected the Dean of the College of Cardinals in 2002,” Smith said.  “Pope Benedict XVI’s experience, as well the authority that Pope John Paul II entrusted to him, will be a great asset for the enormous tasks that lie ahead.”