14/03/2013

McDonnell Welcomes Election Of Pope Francis

SDLP Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell has welcomed the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina who was elected in Rome yesterday evening.

Dr McDonnell said: "I want to warmly welcome the election of Pope Francis, the first Pope from outside Europe in 1,300 years. This represents a new and exciting time for the Catholic Church and its followers who will look to their new leader for spiritual guidance.

"This new dawn is an opportunity to confront the scandals that have blighted the Catholic Church in recent years. Already in Pope Francis we are seeing an extremely humble man who has asked for people to pray for him.

"The challenge ahead is enormous and I have no doubt that Pope Francis will have the good wishes of spiritual and political leaders across the world as he begins his ministry."

(CD)

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