In quotes: Reaction to Pope election

In quotes: Reaction to Pope election

Here are some key quotes of reaction from around the world to the election of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the new Pope, Benedict XVI.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR GERHARD SCHROEDER

This is a great honour for Germany.

I think he will be a worthy successor to Pope John Paul II. I congratulate him on behalf of the government and all Germans.

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN

His Holiness brings a wealth of experience to this exalted office. The United Nations and the Holy See share a strong commitment to peace, social justice, human dignity, religious freedom and mutual respect among the world's religions.

The Secretary-General looks forward to the contributions His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will make in strengthening those values.

US STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ADAM ERELI

The United States welcomes the announcement that the Sacred College of Cardinals has selected Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to succeed John Paul as the new holy father of the Catholic Church.

FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC

I send Pope Benedict XVI my warmest congratulations and sincere good wishes for the high mission that has just been entrusted on the head of the Catholic Church.

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER SILVIO BERLUSCONI

I certainly express the feelings of all Italians, and am particularly delighted, when I present Your Holiness with the warm and respectful homage of the Italian government.

SPANISH PRIME MINISTER JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO

Please receive in the name of the Spanish government and the people of Spain our warmest congratulations for your election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church and my best wishes for the Papacy which you begin today.

SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI

Pope Benedict XVI assumes leadership at a critical time in which the world's collective wisdom and leadership including that of the religious community is most important to face up to challenges of deepening poverty and under-development afflicting many people of the world.

IRISH PRESIDENT MARY MCALEESE

May your acceptance of this tremendous burden of service bear fruit in our world. May God give you strength for these new cares.

UK CHIEF RABBI JONATHAN SACKS

We welcome the new Pope and wish him every success in the daunting challenges that lie ahead.

...We hope that he will continue along the path of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II in working to enhance relations with the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

JURANDIR ARAUJ, NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BRAZILIAN BISHOPS

It seems that he is too conservative. Hopefully the Holy Spirit can help him change. We expected a person like John Paul. Somebody who could give the Church alternatives ... open the Church to the world, look more at reality.

MARY GRANT, US SURVIVORS NETWORK OF THOSE ABUSED BY PRIESTS

Ratzinger is a polarising figure to many, who seems to prefer combativeness to compromise and compassion. Still, we wish him well.

It's ... crucial that the new pope follow the words and views of John Paul II who said 'there is no place in the priesthood for anyone who would harm the young.