Majersky: I Believe That Leo XIV Will Be as Courageous as Pope Francis

Bratislava, May 8 (TASR) - Opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) leader Milan Majersky has expressed his joy at the election of the new pope and stated that he believes Pope Leo XIV will be as courageous as his predecessor, TASR learnt from the party's communications department on the same day. "I'm very happy with the election of the successor of Saint Peter, Cardinal Roberto Francis Prevost. I believe he'll be as courageous as Pope Francis and will call for peace and harmony across the world," said Majersky. The opposition 'Slovakia' party also reacted to the election of the new pope on social media. "Holy Father, we wish you a blessed pontificate," the party stated. White smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday evening, signaling the election of a new pope. A total of 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries participated in the election of the 267th pope in the history of the Catholic Church. The new pope is succeeding his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. lin/df