U.S. Hails '1st Pope from the Americas', U.N. Urges Inter-Faith Dialogue
U.S. President Barack Obama offered "warm wishes" on behalf of the American people to newly elected Pope Francis I on Wednesday, hailing the Argentine as "the first pope from the Americas."
"As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than two thousand years, that in each other we see the face of God," he said.
"On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I offer our warm wishes to His Holiness Pope Francis as he ascends to the Chair of Saint Peter and begins his papacy," Obama said in a statement issued by the White House.
"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," Obama added.
"Just as I appreciated our work with Pope Benedict XVI, I look forward to working with His Holiness to advance peace, security and dignity for our fellow human beings, regardless of their faith."
Obama and his family are Protestant Christians, sharing the faith of about half of U.S. citizens.
Around a quarter of Americans are Roman Catholics, or around 80 million people, the fourth largest national group in the Church.
Meanwhile, U.N. chief Ban Ki-Moon called on the new pope to build on efforts to improve relations between the world's different religions.
In a statement welcoming the election of the new pontiff, Ban said he was certain that Francis I would "build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the promotion of inter-faith dialogue."
The U.N. secretary general offered his "heartfelt congratulations" to the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina.
"I look forward to continuing cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See, under the wise leadership of His Holiness Pope Francis," he said.
Ban said the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church shared the "common goals" of promoting peace, social justice and human rights, and the eradication of poverty and hunger.
"We also share the conviction that we can only resolve the interconnected challenges of today's world through dialogue.
"I am certain that his holiness will continue to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the promotion of inter-faith dialogue which is at the heart of the Alliance of Civilizations initiative."
The Alliance of Civilizations is a U.N.-led effort that aims to ease tensions between the western and Islamic worlds.
Source: Agence France Presse
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://cdn.naharnet.com/stories/en/75537 |