Lithuania's Parliamentary Speaker Arturas Paulauskas and Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas congratulated the new Pope, Benedict XVI, on April 19, expressing their belief that he would become a "bridge between us and God."
"The world and Lithuania were truly glad to learn that you had been elected as Pontiff, a bridge between us and God. We sincerely believe that you will be a firm bridge, ready to accept new challenges and treat people with equality like Benedict XV and John Paul II did," the letter of congratulations reads.
President Valdas Adamkus also congratulated the pope, expressing hope that the new head of the Roman Catholic Church would be an example of morality, just like John Paul II, who passed away on April 3.
German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected as the new pope during the Roman Catholic cardinals' conclave on April 19. He chose the name of Benedict XVI.
