Herald Staff Report
(From the issue of 4/28/05)

Having just celebrated the life and legacy of Pope John Paul II, local Catholic colleges are now expressing their best wishes and prayers for the newly elected Pope Benedict XVI.

"‘Habemus Papam.’ Those ancient words have reverberated once again through our Church and all of us at The Catholic University of America give thanks to God for the election of Pope Benedict XVI," said Father David M. O’Connell, president of Catholic University. "His own background as a theologian and university professor is a source of encouragement for us in the work that we do. His clarity of intellect will continue to serve as a guide to our own efforts to ‘discover, preserve and impart truth in all its forms.’ His humility and simplicity will inspire us to a deeper love and care for the truth as it affects us in our daily lives. We pray for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. May his pontificate be richly blessed and bear fruit for the Church, for all people of faith and good will and, indeed, for the entire world."

Christendom College has close ties with the new pontiff, having named the then-prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith chairman of the Honorary Dinner Committee for Christendom College’s 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner in 2002.

In a letter to Dr. Timothy T. O’Donnell, president of Christendom College, then-Cardinal Ratzinger wrote, "I am particularly honoured by your kind invitation and am happy to accept your invitation, and in so doing to associate myself with such a fine Catholic institution of higher learning. ... I offer my best wishes for a successful 25th Anniversary celebration and my prayers that Christendom College will enjoy many more years of service in the education and formation of young people."

In a recent press release from the school, it was stated, "Christendom College is very excited about the future of the Church with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in the Chair of Peter."

Marymount University President James E. Bundschuh said, "The Marymount University community joins with Catholics around the world in celebrating the election of the new Pontiff. We pray that God will bless and guide His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as he takes on the great responsibilities of the Pontificate."