Annan congratulates newly elected Pope Benedict XVI

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today congratulated Pope Benedict XVI on his assumption of the papacy and wished the new leader of the Catholic Church "every strength and courage as he takes on his formidable responsibilities."

"His Holiness brings a wealth of experience to this exalted office," Mr. Annan said in a statement issued by his spokesman in New York.

"The United Nations and the Holy See share a strong commitment to peace, social justice, human dignity, religious freedom and mutual respect among the world's religions," said the statement.

"The Secretary-General looks forward to the contributions His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will make in strengthening those values," it said.