The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner has welcomed His Holiness Pope Leo XiV as the Bishop of Rome, expressing his commitment to Christian unity.
Bishop Mark said: "In a time when the Church and the wider community faces so many challenges, it is good to stay together in our common faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."
"As we send congratulations, I look forward to continuing to build on our good working relationships with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters in the North West and around the world, and assure them of our prayers this evening."