Mormon Leaders Welcome New Pope

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Mormons in Utah are praising the selection of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as the new Catholic pope. The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed Pope Francis and say they pray that he will feel the peace of the Lord in his new position.

LDS leaders in Salt Lake City say they hope the two faiths can continue to work together on issues of faith, morality and service to the poor and needy. Mary Ellen Robertson and Stephanie Lauritzen of Salt Lake City say it was smart to select a pope from Latin America.

Spanish-speaking Catholics will now be able to relate better to the highest leader of the church. Lauritzen says she also likes his reputation as somebody that helps the poor.