Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the Colombian Government on Wednesday expressed heartfelt congratulations to the first Latin American leader of the catholic church, Pope Francis.
Santos and the Colombian Government extended a heartfelt congratulations to Argentina’s Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, noting that this the first time in the history of the Catholic Church that a Latin American has held position.
Saludamos al papa Francisco I, primer papa latinoamericano.
— Juan Manuel Santos (@JuanManSantos) March 13, 2013
This also marks the first time that Catholics are have been guided by a pope whose first language is Spanish. Pope Francis is also the first non-European pontiff in over 1,300 years.
“With the new Pope we hope to continue strengthening diplomatic relations between Colombia and the Holy See,” said Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin.
Sources
- Gobierno colombiano felicita a la Santa Sede por la eleccion del neuvo Papa (CM&)
- Saludamos a Francisco I, el primer papa latinoamericano: President Santos (Presidencia de la Republica)