WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama offered prayers and warm wishes Wednesday to the newly elected pope, applauding the selection of the first pope from the Americas as a sign of the region's strength and vitality.
He said his joy on the historic election of former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, who chose the papal name Francis, was shared by millions of Hispanic Americans, the majority of whom are Roman Catholics.
"As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than 2,000 years -- that in each other, we see the face of God," Obama said in a statement.
Vice President Joe Biden, the first Catholic to be elected vice president, will lead the U.S. delegation to Francis' installation in Rome, according to a White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trip had not been announced publicly. Although an official date hasn't been released, the Vatican hinted that it would likely take place on Tuesday.
Calling the task of leading the modern Catholic Church "sacred work," Obama said he looked forward to working with the new pope to promote peace, security and dignity for people of all faiths.
Cardinals in Rome elected the 76-year-old Bergoglio on Wednesday after a remarkably fast, five-ballot conclave. The son of an Italian immigrant, Bergoglio replaces retired Pope Benedict XVI, who last month became the first pope to resign in 600 years.
Leaders on Capitol Hill echoed Obama's warm words and said they celebrated the historic nature of Bergoglio's selection.
"I think that reaching out beyond the traditional continent of our church is another big step in the right direction for the church," said House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who, like Boehner, is Catholic, said Bergoglio's selection was "a sign of respect and admiration for the growing ranks of Catholics, indeed all people, across Latin America."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:10 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:10:21 GMT
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:07 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:07:32 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:42:24 GMT
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:09 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:09:33 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:51:10 GMT
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Wednesday, April 3 2013 8:25 PM EDT2013-04-04 00:25:07 GMT
As he waved to thousands gathered at St. Peter's Square on Easter morning, Pope Francis could have easily looked over Dominic, an 8- year-old boy with cerebral palsy. But he didn't.
As he waved to thousands gathered at St. Peter's Square on Easter morning, Pope Francis could have easily looked over Dominic, an 8- year-old boy with cerebral palsy. But he didn't.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 1:13 AM EDT2013-03-12 05:13:46 GMT
From FOX News Latino: A Latin American Pope would strengthen the church in an area losing followers. Argentina's Cardinal Leonardo Sandri a top contender.
From FOX News Latino: A Latin American Pope would strengthen the church in an area losing followers. Argentina's Cardinal Leonardo Sandri a top contender.
Monday, March 11 2013 8:29 PM EDT2013-03-12 00:29:18 GMT
The preliminaries over, Catholic cardinals are ready to get down to the real business of choosing a pope.
The preliminaries over, Catholic cardinals are ready to get down to the real business of choosing a pope. And even without a front-runner, there are indications they will go into the conclave Tuesday with a good idea of their top picks.
Credit: White House
