Czech political leaders congratulate new Pope

Politicians and church dignitaries have welcomed the election of Jorge Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, as Pope. President Miloš Zeman sent the Pontiff a letter of congratulations and extended an official invitation for him to attend the 2013 celebrations marking the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of the Christian missionaries SS Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia. Prime Minister Petr Nečas said he had received the news of Pope Francis’ election with genuine pleasure and wished him sound health and strength in facing the challenges ahead.