Rode, the first Slovenian ever cardinal elector, moreover noted that one of Francis's auxiliary bishops in Buenos Aires was Vinko Bokalič, who has Slovenian roots, and that the newly elected pope visited Slovenia during his 1970 European tour.

The conclave wanted to highlight the universality of the Church and its openness to all nations by electing Jorge Mario Bergoglio as its new leader, Rode also said in a statement sent to the STA by his office.

"It is known that the Latin America has many social issues, mostly due to inequality and poverty. Up to this point Cardinal Bergoglio was the voice of the poor and the oppressed. As the pope, Francis will spread this voice around the world."

"The conclave was, against all expectations, one of the shortest in the history of the Church. Even the cardinals did not expect such a quick outcome," said Rode.

It is true that the new pope is maybe a slightly unusual choice, he noted, pointing to Francis being a member of the Jesuit order. However, "he is loyal to the charisma of Ignatius of Loyola", the founder of Jesuits, Rode stressed.

Touching on the name Bergoglio chose as his papal name, the Slovenian cardinal noted that the choice might be an announcement of "surprising novelties in his pontificate". "It will be a pontificate of modesty, humility and simplicity," Rode wrote in the statement.

The cardinal moreover told the Slovenian Catholic Radio Ognjišče that Bergoglio was also "his candidate", as he had known him for over 30 years.

Meanwhile Lovrenčič Svetek stressed for the evening news show Odmevi on the national broadcaster TV Slovenija that the pope has to lead the entire Church. Pointing to the start of his pontificate, she said things looked very promising: "He immediately gained the affection of the people in Saint Peter's Square."

She also noted that while relations between the Vatican and Slovenia were good, there was always room for improvement. It will have to be seen how many visits can be arranged, as they are very important relations-wise, she noted.

"It is in Slovenia's interest to have good relations with the Holy See, it being a major player in the global political arena," the ambassador stressed.