Spaniards have always shown great maturity and great common sense when it comes to voting.

Spaniards have always shown great maturity and great common sense when it comes to voting.

It's true that the war in Iraq opened a distance in relations between part of Europe and the U.S. government, but our basic ties are stronger than that. We share democracy, free markets and a commitment to Western security. We differ on how to guarantee that security.

Europe is and will be a Union of States.

Democratic power is the only voice most citizens have.

Wars such as those which have occurred in Iraq only allow hatred, violence and terror to proliferate

Please receive in the name of the Spanish government and the people of Spain our warmest congratulations for your election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church and my best wishes for the Papacy which you begin today. [to Pope Benedict XVI]