From the Vatican: Cardinal William J. Levada

Wester’s appointment as the new Bishop of Salt Lake City, and I

hasten to add my own voice to those of Bishop Wester’s fellow

priests, coworkers, and friends in congratulating him on

this appointment. This is certainly a moment

of joy for the Church in Salt Lake City as it

is one of pride for the Archdiocese of San

Francisco.

During my ten years as Archbishop

of San Francisco, it was my distinct privilege

and pleasure to work alongside Bishop Wester.

He had already distinguished himself as a

pastor, educator and capable administrator

in his priestly ministry at Marin Catholic

High School, the Archdiocesan Department

of Catholic Schools, and finally

as pastor of St. Stephen’s Parish in San

Francisco. His ministry would only

deepen in these last eight years as he

cared for his brother priests as Vicar

for Clergy and Auxiliary Bishop of

San Francisco. In these positions, he

earned the trust and respect of clergy

and faithful alike. He has been blessed with

many graces which will serve him well in his

apostolic ministry in Salt Lake City.

I would very much like to have been present for Bishop Wester’s

Installation in Salt Lake City, but my obligations at the Congregation

for the Doctrine of the Faith make that impossible. I therefore

send my greetings and my promise of prayers for Bishop Wester,

and for the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

May God continue to bless the Catholic community of Utah that

you will be, with your Bishop, a community of ardent faith, joyful

hope, and active love.

His Eminence

Cardinal William Joseph Levada

Archbishop Emeritus of San Francisco

Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith