Taoiseach Enda Kenny has wished the new Pope well as he leads the Catholic Church “in the many challenges it faces”. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I offer warm congratulations to Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio on his election as Pope Francis,” the Taoiseach said.
“He has the best wishes of all Irish people, of all traditions, as he undertakes the immense responsibility of his pontificate.”
Mr Kenny said the Conclave’s decision to choose the first Pope from the Americas was of particular significance. He said it was a symbolic expression of the global nature of the Catholic Church and of the 21st century world.
“We pray that he will have the strength, the good health and the spiritual guidance needed to lead the Catholic Church in the many challenges it faces,” the Taoiseach said. Mr Kenny said the Irish people also sent their congratulations to the Argentinian public.
President Michael D Higgins said: “As you assume the office of Holy Father, I convey to you the best wishes of the people of Ireland for the success of your pontificate. Despite the pressures and distractions of a more complex world, people all over the globe still yearn for a sense of spiritual meaning to their lives.”
The President said Pope Francis’s leadership of the church would be of immense importance in providing ethical guidance and moral encouragement towards a world that is “more just, more compassionate and more focused on a shared sense of community”.
US President Barack Obama vowed to work with the new Pope “to advance peace, security and dignity for our fellow human beings, regardless of their faith”.
“As the first pope from the Americas, his selection also speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world, and alongside millions of Hispanic Americans, those of us in the United States share the joy of this historic day.”
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said he looked forward to continuing co-operation between the United Nations and the Holy See, under Pope Francis’s leadership.