African reaction: Roman Catholics across Africa last night welcomed a pope they believe will share their conservative stance and whom they hope will continue John Paul's work tackling poverty on the continent.
Although there was an element of disappointment that the conclave had not selected an African contender, most felt it was a good choice for a continent struggling with poverty and disease.
"We are all very happy," said Ndingi Mwana a'Nzeki, Archbishop of Nairobi, adding that he expected the new pope to follow in his predecessor's footsteps by putting Africa at the centre of his ministry.
"I can anticipate his full support to the church in Africa, continuing the work of John Paul.
"And as a theologian we believe he will support us in incorporating the local, cultural customs to our Christian values."
The church in Africa grew rapidly under the tenure of John Paul, a pope who visited the continent frequently and who championed attempts to merge local traditions - such as dancing and drumming - with services.
Today there are more than 110 million Catholics in Africa and, for the first time in 1,500 years, an African cardinal was spoken of as a contender for St Peter's throne.
Cardinal Francis Arinze, from Nigeria, was among the early frontrunners but last night there was little disappointment in his home village of Eziowelle, a poor farming community in the west African country's southern forests, that he had not been selected.
Instead there was joy that the church had chosen a new champion and one who shares his predecessor's conservative values. "Since he has been chosen by divine inspiration, all Catholics will work with him. We don't feel bad at all," said Fr Chinedu Nwafor, the priest at St Edward's Church, to which Cardinal Arinze returns once a year from Rome to pray.
Patrick Devine, east Africa regional superior of the Society of African Missions, said the new pope would be welcomed by the broader African congregation.