Jorge Mario Bergoglio, in his first greeting as bishop of Rome, already indicates what will be a few of the priorities of his pontificate.

The election of Pope Francis is a great sign that shows continuity with what Benedict XVI left to the church when he resigned the ministry of bishop of Rome. I saw continuity because in choosing the name Francis, for the first time in church history, the new pope has evidently wanted to place his ministry in that prophetic light given by the evangelical witness of Francis of Assisi.

On February 11th the Pope announced his resignation from the petrine ministry. The Pope's words and gesture have brought about a great echo from the whole world.

On behalf of the Focolare Movement, the president Maria Voce also sent the Holy Father a message of affection and gratitude:

LUMINOSA AWARD FOR UNITY 2012

NEARLY 1 MILLION SERVED: 45 YEARS DEDICATED TO DIGNIFYING IMMIGRATION

Award recognizes the Catholic Charities Spanish Catholic Center of Washington
for 45 years of service to the city’s diverse immigrant population,
bringing them together and helping them give back to the community