The Bishops of England and Wales have extended their “warmest congratulations” to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as he recently marked both the seventh anniversary of his pontificate and his 85th birthday.
Meeting in plenary at Hinsley Hall in Leeds, 23 April, the Bishops also offered their prayers for the Successor of St Peter:
Your Holiness,
At our meeting on 23 April 2012, the Solemnity of St George, we the members of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales wish to convey to you our warmest congratulations on the recent occasions of your 85th Birthday and the Seventh Anniversary of your Election as Supreme Pontiff.
We assure you of our love and we pray that Almighty God will grant you unfailing strength in the exercise of your ministry as Successor of St Peter.
