Malaysian leaders have made statements of approval and sent congratulatory messages to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI who was elected to lead the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics on April 19.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described Josef Ratzinger's election as the 265th Pope as a supreme testament to the 78-year-old German's deep faith and profound knowledge.

"Malaysia hopes that the Islamic peoples of the world can continue to work with the new pontiff towards achieving greater inter-faith dialogue and understanding and in doing so, engender greater trust and lasting peace among the faithful of all the world's religions," Abdullah was quoted as saying in the New Strait Times today.

The premier's words were echoed by DAP parliamentarian and publicity secretary Teresa Kok.

"I pray that Pope Benedict XVI will continue the efforts of the late Pope John Paul II to engage Islam and Judaism, as well as emulate his commitment to social justice," Kok said in a statement.

The previous pope, who died at 84 on April 3, was greatly loved and respected as a person who brought together world religions and encouraged inter-faith dialogues.

More openness

Kok also hoped that the new pope will strengthen and lead Christianity in addressing current "controversial issues faced by the church and increasing challenges from various forces and testing issues in the 21st Century."

"In this regard, I urge the Vatican to be in communion with a flock that is progressively calling out for more openness," she added.

Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Murphy Pakiam said the Catholic Church is blessed to have an 'experienced Vatican insider and expert theologian'.

"God has blessed us with a first class theologian who has a clear understanding of church dogma and who lives its truth in simplicity and humility.

"Unlike the well intentioned but rather befuddled theologians, who startled us with outlandish theological statements that cause contestation and polarisation, he is gifted with a clear perspective mind," added Murphy.

The archbishop shared his personal experience of meeting the new pope when he was a cardinal. He stuck Murphy as 'refined, charming, simple, genuine, humble, approachable and accommodating'.