"It is with joy that I congratulate Pope Francis on being named TIME's Person of the Year for 2013.

Our Holy Father has a remarkable way of uniting people of all cultures. He is a man deeply engaged in contemporary issues with an ability to speak to the modern heart. Pope Francis is a pastor God sends not just to the Church but to every person of good will who honestly yearns for justice, peace and human dignity in our time.

May God grant him courage and joy as he continues to spread the Good News throughout the world."

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Kenneth A. Gavin
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