Pope a man of 'great wisdom': Bush

US President George W Bush has congratulated Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany on being elected as Pope.

"Laura and I offer our congratulations to Pope Benedict XVI. He's a man of great wisdom and knowledge. He's a man who serves the Lord," Bush said in a statement.

Recalling Ratzinger's homily at the Pope John Paul II's funeral, Bush said his words touched his heart.

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"We remember well his sermon at the Pope's funeral in Rome, how his words touched our hearts and the hearts of millions. We join with our fellow citizens and millions around the world who pray for continued strength and wisdom as His Holiness leads the Catholic Church."

Bush spoke to reporters on the South Lawn after attending the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill.

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White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said Bush was informed about the new Pope being elected just before he took the stage. As he was leaving the library event he learned it [the new Pope] was Ratzinger.