Prime Minister congratulates the Roman Catholic Community

File: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has extended congratulations to the Roman Catholic Community on the announcement on Wednesday of the election of a new Pope by the College of Cardinals today.

The announcement came two days after the conclave convened, comprising 115 Cardinals from around the world, following the resignation of Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus.

The Prime Minister, who closely monitored the developments since the conclave commenced on Monday 11th March, 2013 said she is “immensely pleased that the International Roman Catholic Community finally has a Pontiff to lead his flock through the difficult terrain of modern day spiritual life.”

A media release from the OPM said the Prime Minister intends to send an official congratulatory letter to the new Pope Thursday.

The new Pope, formally known as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina has chosen the new name Pope Francis I. He was ordained Cardinal by the late Blessed Pope John Paul II. He is the 266th Pope in the Catholic Church.

Please click on image to read letter from PM to Archbiship Harris: