SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES POPE BENEDICT XVI, WISHES HIM STRENGTH, COURAGE IN ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITIES

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES POPE BENEDICT XVI, WISHES HIM

STRENGTH, COURAGE IN ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General congratulates His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his assumption of the papacy.  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.  He wishes Pope Benedict XVI every strength and courage as he takes on his formidable responsibilities.

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