Costa Rica Offers Best Wishes For Pope Benedicto XVI
Tuesday morning, most Costa Ricans were glued to their television sets watching the news coming in from the Vatican of the new Pope.

The reactions were one of happiness, though many commented that the new Pope Benedicto XVI is too conservative and appears will be very strict.

However, the fact that the new Pope was part of John Paul II's inner circle gave comfort and confidence to many.

Church officials were quoted as saying that the new Pope will surely continue in the same line as John Paul II, and that we must keep the faith and place our trust in the man, one of the great intellectuals of the church.

Germans in Costa Rica were happy of the news that one of their own was the Pope. The last time there was a German pope was more than 500 years ago. Volker Fink, German Ambassador in Costa Rica, was quoted as saying, "I wish the best to my countryman. He comes from a humble town in the southern part of Germany and is a great theologist."

For his part, President Abel Pacheco, expressed his pleasure with the election of Joseph Ratzinger and wished him best for the challenges he faces ahead.

"We unite as Catholics and wish him the best. Our prayers are with him and hope an easy transition for him, following the examples of John Paul II", said president Pacheco.

The president added that Lineth Saborío will head the Costa Rican delegation that will attend the Papal ceremony in the next several days. Vice President Saborío told the press that, as a Catholic, she is accepting this great opportunity with lots of emotion.