President congratulates Pope Francis

President George Abela has congratulated Pope Francis in the name of the Government of Malta and the Maltese people in an official letter, where he also wished the new Pope well "for a long and fruitful pontificate."

"The news of Your Holiness' election as leader of the Catholic Church was received by the Maltese Catholic population with great joy," Abela went on to say.

"The name chosen by Your Holiness was welcomed by the faithful of the Maltese Islands as it evokes a sense of simplicity, compassion, tolerance, and human solidarity, characteristics associated with Saint Francis of Assisi that the modern world is so much in need of," he said.

"While I ask the blessing of Your Holiness, I express the sentiments of my highest consideration."