Cardinal Levada's Statement on the appointment of Bishop Justice
I was delighted by Father William Justice’s appointment as the new auxiliary bishop of San Francisco. I am happy to join Archbishop George Niederauer and the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of San Francisco in thanking God for this appointment and promising my prayers and support for Bishop-elect Justice.
Bishop-elect Justice is, of course, no stranger to the Church in San Francisco. He has served faithfully for many years as a pastor in three parishes: St. Peter’s, All Souls, and Mission Dolores. More recently, he has taken on the very special role of ministering to his brother priests as Vicar for Clergy. His experience in pastoral leadership and his many fine personal qualities have prepared him to take up the office of Bishop in the Church.
Although my responsibilities in Rome at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith make it impossible for me to travel to San Francisco for the ordination liturgy on May 28, I will accompany the Church at San Francisco and our new Auxiliary Bishop in my prayers here in the Eternal City. God bless Bishop-elect Justice, and God bless the Archdiocese of San Francisco!
From the Vatican, May 12, 2008
Cardinal William Levada Archbishop Emeritus of San Francisco Prefect, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
