President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner puts past clashes on back burner and promises to be present at first Mass. Homage from Ban Ki-moon and Barack Obama. Messi promises to devote "the next world cup victory to him." Hopes among Chinese bloggers for "the beginning of a new era." A wish shared by the Indonesian Ulema.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - With a mixture of joy and surprise, Argentina celebrated the election of the new Pope Francis. Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the 76-year old Jorge Bergoglio is the first pope in Latin American history, an event greeted with excitement by his countrymen gathered in St. Peter's Square and all the squares in the South American nation. President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has already announced that she will present at the inaugural Mass, March 19 next. The head of state has sent a congratulatory message, putting aside disagreements and conflicts that had emerged on several occasions in recent years. "To His Holiness - wrote Kirchner - goes all my consideration and respect."

In contrast, the Argentines rushed to the streets in celebration for the new pontiff. Thousands of faithful invaded the central Plaza de Mayo, in front of the cathedral where the Archbishop had preached and celebrated Mass to celebrate Pope Francis. Some knelt, others turned their eyes to the sky in prayer and song. Suddenly the whole square resounded to the cry "Francisco, Francisco" followed closely by "Argentina, Argentina".

Among others, the champions of the most popular sport in the country, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, paid homage to the new Pope. The Pibe de Oro spoke of "honor and pride", while on his twitter profile Barcelona's number 10 promised to dedicate "winning the next world cup" (Brazil 2014, ed) to the Argentinian pope.

Many heads of state and government, along with the leading representatives of international diplomacy, greeted the appointment of the new bishop of Rome. U.S. President Barack Obama spoke of a "historic day" for the millions of Hispanic Americans living in the United States, as well as all Catholics throughout the world. The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon sent "congratulations" to the new Pope, with whom he hopes to "continue cooperation" for the "many points in common," including the promotion of peace, social justice and of human rights. Blessing and wishes also came from the Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Anglican Church Justin Welby, adding that "I cannot wait to meet him."

Pope Bergoglio also received words of affection from Asia. Philippine President Benigno Aquino said that the election of Francis I is a "call to unity" among the faithful of the whole world. He added that the Pope will bring "a wave of renewal to the Church" and "charity in a world threatened by tensions, conflicts, poverty and loss of trust in institutions." The Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou called for a "strengthening" in diplomatic relations, adding that Taipei is "honored to be a partner in the ideal of peace" with the Vatican.

The choice of a new pope was repeatedly welcomed and discussed by bloggers in China, where today the rise of Xi Jinping to the presidency of the nation after a decade of Hu Jintao was officially announced. The internet did not fail to draw a parallel between the two appointments within a few hours of each other. "He will have a huge responsibility," writes a Beijing blogger; another user ironically praises the "perfect sync with China! They have their Pope, we ours (chairman)." Many also feed on "hope" and see the choice of a Latin American pope as an "opportunity for the beginning of a new era, albeit starting from old problems."

Catholics in Singapore welcomed the news this morning with joy and contentment. Many people gathered to celebrate mass in the Church of St. Alphonsus, better known as the Church of the Novena. "I prayed to the Lord with all my heart," said one faithful, who described being "deeply touched and happy." In Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, the focus is on the future relations between the Church and Islam. Slamet Effendy Yusuf, leader of the Indonesian Ulema Council, calls for a "greater understanding" between the two worlds and is sure that Pope Bergoglio will understand the Muslim community "because he comes from a nation still under development. I hope that the new Pope will promote dialogue ... [... opening] a new chapter in the history of relations between Muslims and Catholics. "

 

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