—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
JAMAICA, New York (March 13, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) issued a press release today congratulating Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio on his election as the pope and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Now known as Pope Francis, the Argentine cardinal was elected to his new position after a two-day conclave in Rome.
“We hope that Catholics worldwide will benefit from the leadership of Pope Francis,” said Naeem Baig, President of ICNA. “We also hope and pray that he will work with religious leaders of all faiths to strive for peace and socio-economic justice across the world.”