Archbishop Niederauer installed in San Francisco

Published: 2006-02-16

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- At his Feb. 15 installation Mass as head of the San Francisco Archdiocese, Archbishop George H. Niederauer urged more than 2,500 people who filled the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption to reflect God's love, serve others and not be afraid to defend church teaching. He praised the work of his two predecessors, Archbishops John R. Quinn and William J. Levada, saying, "because of their gifts, their zeal and their labors, and now because of their welcome and their encouragement, I dare to hope that, with God's grace, the task before me can be accomplished." Archbishop Quinn, who is now retired, was San Francisco's archbishop from 1977 to 1995. Archbishop Levada, who now heads the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, led the archdiocese 1995-2005. Archbishop Niederauer also thanked San Francisco's two auxiliaries, Bishops Ignatius Wang and John C. Wester, who has been apostolic administrator for six months, "for their welcome, their support and their assistance to me in this time of transition."

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