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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Welcomes Election of New Pope

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, extended his congratulations to the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis.

"On behalf of the Malaysian government and the people of Malaysia, in particular Malaysians of the Roman Catholic faith, I am pleased to extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on Your Holiness' election as the 266th Holy Roman Pontiff," said Najib.

According to Bernama, Najib expressed his hope that Malaysia’s diplomatic relations with the Holy See (the universal government of the Catholic Church), which was established in 2011, will continue to prosper under the papacy of Pope Francis.

The Prime Minister also said that Malaysia was very keen to work alongside the Holy See to foster a greater understanding and harmony among the different religions through Malaysia’s initiative to promote moderation through the Global Movement of Moderates.

Pope Francis (real name Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was elected as the 266th pope last Thursday. The 76 year old from Argentina is the first non-European pontiff in almost 1,300 years.

Pope Francis succeeds Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down on 28 February 2013 after serving eight years in office (the first pontiff to do so in 600 years).

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