His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday congratulated Pope Francis on his election as new leader of the Catholic Church.

In a cable, King Abdullah expressed his congratulations to the pontiff and wished him success in enhancing the values of tolerance and coexistence and defending human rights, peace, freedom and justice.

His Majesty also expressed pride in the Kingdom’s historical ties with the Vatican, affirming the country’s commitment to continue with the new Pope the work to build on the common ground between Islam and Christianity and promote interfaith dialogue.