OCSTA Welcomes Pope Francis I as the 266th Bishop of Rome and the New Leader of the Roman Catholic Church

TORONTO, March 15, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA) welcomes Pope Francis I, as the 266^th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its 1.1 billion members throughout the world.

"On behalf of Catholic school trustees who serve as guardians, stewards and advocates for the 600,000 students in Ontario's Catholic schools, I offer prayers and support for our new Holy Father," said Marino Gazzola, OCSTA President. "We look forward to continuing our tradition of nurturing the spirit of faith and learning in our schools with Pope Francis I as our spiritual leader."

Ontario's Catholic schools have made service and support for the most vulnerable among us and around the world a priority in education. The emphasis that Pope Francis I has placed on service and putting faith into action, resonates strongly with the priorities and mission of Catholic education in this province.

The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association is the provincial voice for Catholic education. Founded in 1930, OCSTA represents Catholic school boards that collectively educate approximately 600,000 students in Ontario, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

SOURCE: Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association

Sharon McMillan 416-932-9460 Ext. 232 
Ashlee Cabral 416-932-9460 Ext. 230