I, and also on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Abetz, and Senators Brandis, Fierravanti-Wells, Stephens, Madigan, Back, Williams, Heffernan, Ryan, Cormann, Mason, Cash, Boswell, Bernardi and Humphries, move:

That the Senate—

(a) congratulates Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ on his election as the 266th Roman Catholic pontiff;

(b) notes that Pope Francis is the first Jesuit Pope, and not only is the first Pope from South America but the first Pope from outside Europe in over 1 000 years; and

(c) acknowledges Pope Francis' very strong commitment to social justice, as exemplified by his decision to choose his papal name in honour of St. Francis of Assisi.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave is granted for one minute.

It is obvious throughout the chamber on both sides that this a great day for those who are members of the Catholic Church and those who strongly follow what happens in the Catholic Church. This chamber, representative of the Australian Catholic community, recognises the new Pope, Pope Francis I, and wishes him all the very best. He seems to be an extremely decent man. He will obviously bring a stronger commitment to social justice. So far he has been received well. He has an immense job in front of him and he goes forward with all the good thoughts and feelings of the Australian people.

Question agreed to.