(Washington, DC, April 19, 2005) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today congratulated Virgin Islands Catholics on the selection of a new pope to head the Roman Catholic Church. 

“I extend my congratulations to all Catholics on the selection of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger who will be known as Pope Benedict XVI.  “Along with you, I look forward to Pope Benedict’s spiritual leadership in this new century that will see many challenges.  People of faith will rely on his guidance as the touchstone for moral leadership, as they did with the previous pontiff.  It is my hope and prayer that God will grant him the wisdom and courage that will be necessary,” Delegate Christensen said.