Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio - Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday congratulated Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was elected Pope the day before.
Bergoglio, who has now taken the name Pope Francis I, succeeds Pope Benedict XVI who resigned last month citing deteriorating health.
In a press statement, signed by presidential spokesman Reuben Abati and obtained by PANA here, President Jonathan said 'On behalf of myself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, I congratulate Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina on his historic election as the first Pope from the Americas and 265th successor to the Chair of St Peter.'
President Jonathan said he welcomed the Pontiff's election as a divinely inspired choice by the College of Cardinals and an unequivocal testimony of God’s abiding presence in His Church and the world, saying that Cardinal Bergoglio possessed glowing antecedents as a great scholar, teacher, Catholic philosopher and very humane leader of the Church.
The statement said 'The President joins Catholics in Nigeria and other countries of the world in praying for God’s blessings and Divine guidance for Pope Francis I as he assumes the papacy, trusting that he will put his acclaimed qualities and devoutness to the best possible use in resolutely guiding the Church through the many challenges it currently faces.'
According to the statement, 'President Jonathan and the Federal Government look 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.'
The President also looks forward to collaborating with Pope Francis and the Holy See in working towards the realization of a much more secure, peaceful and just world order, the statement said.
'As he prepares for his formal installation and ascension to the Papacy on Tuesday, 19 March, 2013, the President prays that God Almighty will grant Pope Francis continued good health and strength, and the 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,' Jonathan was quoted as saying in the statement.
Pana 15/03/2013