Motions — Papal Election—Pope Francis

I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate concerning the election of the new pope.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.

I move, That this House note the election in Rome earlier today of Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as Pope Francis I. He is the 266th Roman pontiff, the first pope from the southern hemisphere, and the first pope from the Americas. He has been for some years the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires and is well known for his humility and commitment to social action. On behalf of the House, I wish him the best for his term of office and congratulate the people of Argentina on a hugely significant day in the history of their country.

Motion agreed to.