Successor to Francis named

THE 119TH elected successor to St Francis of Assisi has said he is taking on his new role "with much trust in the Lord".
Spanish Friar Jose Rodriguez Carballo, the new Minister General of the Franciscan Friars Minor, told Vatican Radio: "'I can do all in him who strengthens me'; would like to go forward with this trust."
Fr Rodriguez Carballo, 49, was elected by the 142 representatives of the Friars Minor last week. They were holding their 185th general chapter at the Portiuncula of St Mary of the Angels in Assisi. The friars have already identified as their priorities the spirit of prayer, fraternity, poverty, solidarity and evangelisation.
In an introductory message to the Franciscan family, the new Minister General said: "We must be faithful to Christ, faithful to Francis and Clare, faithful to the man of today.
"To young people, I say: `Do not be afraid, dear young people; try to make a radical Option for Jesus, for the Gospel, and you will see that you will find a great joy'."