TEHRAN - Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Friday congratulated Pope Benedict XVI on his appointment, wishing him success in his work towards international peace, the state news agency IRNA reported.
Khatami said he was "absolutely delighted" to learn of Benedict's appointment on Tuesday, a statement said.
"I wish you success in promoting peace, freedom and justice as well as success in helping to make a more beautiful world... by following the humanitarian, liberating and justice-seeking teachings of Jesus Christ," Khatami said.
khatami expressed his hope for dialogue between religions, which "will reinforce faith and morality in communities and individuals".
German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 78, was elected leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics on Tuesday, on the second day of the Vatican's secret conclave, taking the name Pope Benedict XVI.
04/22/2005 10:01 GMT