I cannot possibly believe that I have it made while so many black brothers and sisters are hungry, inadequately housed, insufficiently clothed, denied their dignity as they live in slums or barely exist on welfare.

I cannot salute the flag; I know that I am a black man in a white world. In 1972, in 1947, at my birth in 1919, I know that I never had it made.

[Knight Ridder Newspapers Helen Keller believed in having a] courageous dignity in the presence of fate. ... discover the truth of today, and perhaps find the greatness of tomorrow.

The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity.

That's what Christ taught. We are all brothers and sisters.

Dear brothers and sisters after the great Pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the Lord's vineyard. The fact that the Lord can work and act even with insufficient means consoles me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers. In the joy of the resurrected Lord, we go on with his help. He is going to help us and Mary will be on our side. Thank you