EU: Pope Francesco will bring people and religion closer

Bergoglio the Argentine was elected, Schulz: “The choice of a non-European is an encouraging sign”
Barroso and Van Rompuy: “We wish him a long Papacy to defend peace and solidarity”

On the second day of the Conclave and at the 5th vote the white smoke arrived from the Vatican. The new Pope is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Argentine, 76 year old Jesuit, 266^th Pope, the first South American and the first to take the name Francesco. The welcoming greetings arrived immediately from the EU. “In the name of the EU, we want to transmit our most sincere congratulations for your election” they wrote in a joint press release from the President of the EC and from the Council, José Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy.

“We wish you a long and blessed Papacy that will allow your Holiness and the Catholic Church to defend and promote fundamental values of peace, solidarity and human dignity. These are essential messages in a world that must confront numerous challenges and that is in a profound phase of change” the presidents wrote. “We are convinced that your Holiness will continue to promote the work of your predecessor with determination and strength, bringing the world population and religion closer.”

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, commenting on the election of Franceso I on the other hand, declared: “I would like to congratulate Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio for his election to the Pontifical throne. I wish Pope Francesco courage and strength.” “The Pope has the opportunity to transform things in a moment in which the Catholic Church must face numerous and important challenges” Schulz added according to which “the Pope offers guidance, inspiration and hope to thousands of believers in the whole world. Choosing a non-European Pope is an encouraging sign.” For the President of Parliament “a new stimulus is necessary to resurrect fundamental values which are the basis of Christianity – like solidarity, peace among nations and people, tolerance and aid for the weaker and poorer.” “These values – Schulz concluded – are more necessary than ever, in a world at risk of being overwhelmed by a spiral of materialism and disparity.”