New Pope Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Muhammad Bello

President Goodluck Jonathan Thursday joined the rest of world leaders in congratulating the new Pope Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina on his historic election yesterday as the first Pope from the Americas and 265th successor to the Chair of St Peter.

A statement by the President’s spokesperson, Dr Reuben Abati observed that: “with Cardinal Bergoglio’s glowing antecedents as a great scholar, teacher, Catholic philosopher and very humane leader of the Church, President Jonathan welcomes his election as successor to Pope Benedict XVI as a divinely inspired choice by the College of Cardinals and an unequivocal testimony of God’s abiding presence in His Church and the world.

Jonathan joined Catholics in Nigeria and other countries of the world in praying for God’s blessings and Divine guidance for Pope Francis as he assumed the papacy, trusting that he will put his acclaimed qualities and devoutness to the best possible use in resolutely guiding the Church through the many challenges it currently faces.