Government congratulates Pope Benedict

The government was quick to congratulate the new Pope yesterday, sending the Maltese people's warmest wishes within a few hours of the election.

In a letter to Pope Benedict XVI, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that the values of the Catholic Church are kept close at heart by the Maltese people.

"While treasuring the memories of Pope John Paul II's courage and charisma, I wish Your Holiness every success in confronting a world which needs to be guided by principles of solidarity, peace and protection of human life.

"May these values serve as a catalyst to achieve world peace and establish a universal feeling of hope," Dr Gonzi wrote.

Contacted last night, President Eddie Fenech Adami said that the conclave wanted to give a clear message that the new Pope will not make any compromises on the Church's principles.

One of Pope Ratzinger's books clearly spoke of the crisis in European values and this issue would undoubtedly be at the forefront during his tenure, Dr Fenech Adami said.

In his book, Cardinal Ratzinger had argued against what he described as the "de-Christianisation" of Europe.

It was also clear from his homily on Monday that Pope Benedict XVI would not cave in to calls for the Church to change its traditional ways, Dr Fenech Adami said.

At a Mass, hours before the conclave opened, Cardinal Ratzinger warned the cardinal electors that they must stick to traditional teachings and shun pressure to follow modern fads.

Asked whether he believed Pope Benedict XVI was the right choice for Pontiff in the 21st century, Dr Fenech Adami replied:

"I'm a Christian and I don't believe there's a right or wrong in this. We have to understand that we are living in a time of uncertainty."

Labour Party leader Alfred Sant said the new Pontiff had a great potential to continue to push forward the values that will highlight solidarity among humans.

We have to work together to see that while people achieve material progress, one would have to ensure social justice.

We have to ensure that the principles of spiritual solidarity would be accepted throughout the world with the aim of shoring against the problems created by globalisation, the exploitation of the poor and the need for everyone to be able to live a better life, Dr Sant said.