Korea’s early repayment of the full amount of loans from the IMF is a major milestone.

I will be guided by the Christian ethic and an awareness that human action is by nature transient.

After a Polish Pope, whose country was first to be invaded by the Germans in World War Two, we now have someone from the generation drafted at the close of the war.

In my view, the humanity of our world can be measured against the fate of Africa.

If we know where we want to go, then even a stony road is bearable.

Korea’s early repayment of the full amount of loans from the IMF is a major milestone.

It is particularly moving, and I can say this also as a Protestant Christian, that a German – one of us – has been made Pope.

Germany must be a country which generates political ideas and leadership, which is capable of compromise, which is sovereign and yet knows that it needs its partners on both sides of the Atlantic.

I am convinced we shall succeed. I have faith in this country, because I have faith in its people.

A few weeks ago we were reminded that other peoples – in particular the United States of America – fought so that we Germans could live in liberty. That we should never forget.

Germany’s fate is decided first and foremost in Europe. Reconciliation and cooperation in Europe have brought us freedom, peace and prosperity. Who would have dared to believe so much 50 years ago?

Responsibility and respect of others and their religious beliefs are also part of freedom.

It is just not enough to strengthen the secret services for the fight against terrorism but it’s also necessary to advance dialogue between cultures.