UN's Ban says pope must work on inter-faith relations

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - United Nations leader Ban Ki Moon on Wednesday called on the new pope, Francis I, to build on efforts to improve relations between the world's different religions.

In a statement welcoming the election of the new pontiff, Ban said he was certain that Francis I would "build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the promotion of inter-faith dialogue."

The UN secretary general offered his "heartfelt congratulations" to the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina.

"I look forward to continuing cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See, under the wise leadership of His Holiness Pope Francis," he said.