Catholics on the Falkland Islands want the new Argentinian pope to visit the territory, according to a Brazilian newspaper.The Catholic faithful gathered at St Mary's church in Port Stanley to celebrate the election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as the new Pope Francis.
Parish priest Michael Bernard McPartland, 73, told the newspaper Folha de São Paulo: "If the Pope goes to Argentina, he should come here too.
"It is wonderful that a Latin American has been chosen. There is no hostility here, only a lot of hope. We are very happy, it is great having a new pope. In a few months it will not matter where he's from. A pope is a pope, he is universal. A Latin American pope can do a lot to make our activities grow in the region, at least that's what I hope."
During the Falklands war, McPartland negotiated with the Argentinian troops to continue giving mass in English.
"The church stayed apart from the conflict, seeking to receive all, as we continue doing today," he said.
The 300-strong congregation of St Mary's includes 29 Catholics with dual British-Argentinian nationality.