Leaders across the world celebrated the election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as the new Pope, considering it a «historical moment» and a fact that makes the «Church more universal than ever.»
Latin American Presidents as Colombia’s Juan Manuel Santos and Ecuadorean Rafael Correa praised the election of Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope.
Correa used his Twitter account to celebrate the election and stated «We have a Latin American Pope! We live a historical moment! Long live Francis I!.»
Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff assured that «Christians are awaiting the arrival of the new Pope to Río de Janeiro.»
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto showed his support to the new Pope by saying «Our respect to Pope Francis I, Vatican Head of State,» and also assured in his Twitter account that he hopes «to have a cordial and close relation» with the new pontiff.
Peña Nieto is planning to travel tomorrow to the Vatican to assist to the inauguration mass, which will be held on March 19.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama stated that the election of the Argentine Pope «demonstrates the strength and vitality of a region that is gaining influence in the world.
«I look forward to working with His Holiness to advance peace, security, and dignity for our fellow human beings,» he said.
UK Head of State, David Cameron, affirmed via his Twitter account that the election was «transcendental,» shortly after the official announcement.
The Spanish Head of State, Mariano Rajoy, congratulated the new pontiff Francis I, convinced that he will contribute «decisively to a better world,» and showed his availability to strengthen the relations with the Holy See.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald