Five Things To Remember On March 19

1. Pope Francis was inaugurated today in Rome. Pope Francis even traveled in the popemobile and there were two special moments that have caught the attention of many people. He greeted a young child and walked over to a man with ailments. You can see both moments in this Catholic News Service video.

2. USCCB president Cardinal Timothy Dolan, of New York, offered his congratulations to Pope Francis on his inauguration, saying, “On the joyful occasion of the Mass to inaugurate your ministry as Bishop of Rome, I wish to convey to you the deep affection, prayerful support and sincere pledge of fidelity of the Bishops of the United States of America and the more than 70 million Catholic faithful throughout the 195 dioceses and eparchies across our nation.”

3. Earlier today, Sister Mary Ann Walsh took part in the coverage of Pope Francis’ inauguration Mass in Rome. You can read her reflections on the day.

Sister Mary Ann notes in her blog that she is leaving Rome soon. During the last three weeks, she’s given daily insights into the Conclave, the election of Pope Francis and the first few days of his papacy. Catch up on all the blogs at: http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/

4. Amidst all of the papal news, one important item that might have gotten lost during the last week: Bishop Richard Pates, of DesMoines, who is the chair of the USCCB Justice and Peace Committee, visited the Chaldean Church in Iraq. Learn more about the bishops’ work in the Middle East

5. God loves you.