World hails Pope Francis

ARGENTINA: World leaders and Catholics hailed the election of Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina as the first Latin American Pope on Wednesday, urging him to work for religious reconciliation and peace.

US President Barack Obama and Argentine leader Cristina Kirchner led congratulations from across the Americas, where Roman Catholics rejoiced that one of their own will lead the church's 1.2-billion-strong flock.

China on Thursday said it hoped newly elected Pope Francis would take a “practical and flexible” attitude.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the “hopes” of “millions of believers in Germany and the world,” now rest “with the new pope”.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church shared the “common goals” of promoting peace, social justice and human rights, and the eradication of poverty and hunger.

French President Francois Hollande said Paris looked forward to pursuing a “confident dialogue” with the Holy See.

“The faithful eagerly await the arrival of Pope Francis to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in July,” said Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa exulted “Long live Francis!” on his Twitter account -- one of millions of tweets sent about the historic election that ended with white smoke billowing out of a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Thursday hailed the election of the first Latin American pope, saying he brings “boundless promise” and the hope of unifying all people around the world.

Aquino also welcomed the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio for becoming the first Jesuit pope, while expressing hope the 76-year-old Argentinian will be able to rebuild confidence in the Catholic Church and other institutions.

AFP