Jonathan, NASS, Others Hail Pope Francis

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina on his election last Wednesday as the first Pope from the Americas and the 265th successor to the chair of St Peter.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.

Jonathan noted Cardinal Bergoglio’s glowing antecedents as a great scholar, teacher, Catholic philosopher and very humane leader of the church.

He said Bergoglio’s emergence as successor to Pope Benedict XVI was a divinely inspired choice by the College of Cardinals and an unequivocal testimony of God’s abiding presence in His Church and the world.

The President joined Catholics in Nigeria and other countries in praying for God’s blessings and divine guidance for Cardinal Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, as he assumes the papacy.

He expressed the hope that the new Pope would put his acclaimed qualities and devoutness to the best possible use in resolutely guiding the church through the many challenges facing it.

Jonathan said “the Federal Government looks forward to further enhancing the already cordial and excellent relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican under the leadership of Pope Francis, the beloved champion of the underprivileged and renowned crusader for global equity and social justice”.

He said he also look forward to collaborating with Pope Francis and the Holy See in working towards the realisation of “a much more secure, peaceful and just world order”.

Jonathan prayed God Almighty to grant Pope Francis continued good health and strength, and even greater knowledge, wisdom, understanding and divine insights he requires to successfully maintain the positive traditions of the Catholic Church and discharge the sacred Petrine Mission entrusted to him.

He wished Pope Francis a blessed and successful tenure.

In the same token, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has congratulated Pope Francis I describing his emergence as a divine rapid response to the yearnings of the Catholic faithfuls.

The Senate President, who has remained very emotional over the emergence of the pontiff, called for the support of all the faithfuls for the Papacy.