PORTLAND – Bishop Richard J. Malone will celebrate Mass at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 24, in thanksgiving for the election of Pope Benedict XVI. This is the same day that the new pope, former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, will be inaugurated at the Vatican.

The Mass will be at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland and all are welcome to attend. Parishes across the state have had or will be celebrating Mass for the new pope over the next few days.

The 78-year-old German pontiff was elected Tuesday on the fourth ballot of the conclave.