Roman Catholics in England and Wales were given an upbeat message of hope for the future of the church at the installation of their new leader in Westminster Cathedral.
The new Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, former Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, emphasised Christian unity and said he was optimistic about the prospects for the Roman Catholic Church.
He told the congregation: "I have no time for prophets of gloom. I do not believe these are gloomy times for the Catholic Church in our country. When the skies are dark, the light shines more brightly. For those who
follow Jesus Christ there is the assurance that in Him, God has visited his people."
The new Archbishop, replaces Cardinal Basil Hume, who died of cancer in June last year. Also attending the Mass and installation were Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy and the Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Blair.
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