The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to Pope Francis, following his being chosen as Head of the Catholic Church.

Following is the text of the congratulatory message from President Cavaco Silva:

“I am profoundly pleased, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, to greet Pope Francis.

Peter’s successor is the Shepherd of a vast community, in which there are numerous Portuguese that live in hope of His word and His magistracy.

My congratulations are also addressed to the universal Catholic Church and, in particular, to the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, at the beginning of a new stage in its life, in which, I am certain, the excellent relations between the Portuguese State and the Church will be deepened.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”