SG Francis I

Secretary General

13/03/2013

Secretary General congratulates Francis on his election as new Pope

Secretary General congratulates Francis I on his election as new Pope

Thorbjørn Jagland

Strasbourg, 13 March 2013 - Following the election of Francis as new Pope, Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland made the following statement:

"I congratulate Francis on his election as new Pope of the Catholic Church and head of state of the Holy See, an observer state to the Council of Europe. On behalf of the Council of Europe I wish him all the best and look forward to continuing our good cooperation with the Holy See."