Taoiseach welcomes new Pope
The Taoiseach has welcomed the election of cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the new Pope.
Mr Ahern said: "On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on his election as Pope Benedict XVI.
"The scenes of rejoicing and excitement which we have witnessed in St Peter's this evening express the goodwill which people around the world, of all religions and none, will feel towards the new Pope.
"The awesome responsibility that comes with occupying the See of Peter has, if anything, been increased by the scale of the impact made by his predecessor, the late Pope John Paul II. The worldwide impact of that pontificate, and the outpouring of sorrow at his death, represents a resource and a source of encouragement for the new Pope.
"It demonstrates that the world is waiting to hear his voice and receive his blessing.
"Pope Benedict XVI is a man of profound learning and knows only too well the pressures which await him in the office of Pope.
"He has chosen a name which associates him with the great mission of peace of the occupants of the See of Peter.
"All Irish men and women, whatever their tradition, will wish him well. He will have the prayers and good wishes of the Christian people of Ireland, especially, of course, of the Roman Catholic community, here as around the world."
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