President of Poland expresses 'joy' at Pope Francis election

Newly elected Pope Francis I greets faithful from the central balcony of St. Peter Basilica after his election at the end of Conclave Second Day in Vatican, 13 March 2013. EPA/ANDREA SOLERO Dostawca: PAP/EPA.

“It is with great joy that I received the news of the selection of Your Holiness to the Holy See and can I, on behalf of the Polish people, offer the most sincere congratulations,” President Komorowski writes in a statement on his web site.

“The old historic motto of 'Polonia semper fidelis' [Poland always faithful] stressed the centuries-old unity between the Polish nation and the Holy See,” Komorowski continued.

Komorowski said that the closeness between Poland and the Vatican had been cemented by “the pontificate of the Blessed John Paul II, whose activities - among many significant achievements – greatly supported the independence of my homeland 24 years ago. This closeness was upheld during the pontificate of his successor, Benedict XVI, especially during his Apostolic visit to Poland in 2006.”

“So it is with great hope that we continue the good relations, that serve the great causes of freedom and solidarity”.

The Polish President also writes that “it is my hope that together with my compatriots we will be able to welcome Your Holiness on Polish soil.” (pg)