ISLAMABAD, April 23: The former prime minister and PPP chairperson, Benazir Bhutto, has welcomed the election of a new pontiff by the Vatican, following the passing away of Pope John Paul-II. Felicitating the new Pontiff on behalf of the PPP, the former prime minister said the new pontiff had chosen the name Benedict, which in Latin means “blessed” and expressed the hope that his era would be a blessed one not only for the Christians but also for the world community.

She recalled the earlier Pope Benedict-XVI whose papacy coincided with the First World War used diplomatic skills to end conflict and to bring peace. She hoped that the new Pope’s era would also be a harbinger of peace and of interfaith understanding and harmony.

She said when John Paul-II was elected, the international community’s concern revolved on East-West relations. Pope Benedict takes over the papacy at a time when relations with the Muslim world are dominating the world stage, she said and expressed the hope that relations between Christianity and Islam would continue to grow under him.

Noting the commonality both religions place on helping the poor and needy, Ms Bhutto prayed that the tensions between the countries of the South and North over issues such as globalization and debt relief would also decrease.

She congratulated the Christians of Pakistan, and the world over on the election of Pope Benedict.—Our Reporter