MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Pope Francis sends his blessings to President Cristina Fernandez

Relations between Bergoglio and Cristina Fernandez were complicated but it all changed when the cardinal became pope

Pope Francis has wished President Cristina Fernández a “full health recovery” following the surgery she underwent on Monday at the Fundación Favaloro clinic in Buenos Aires. “I beg you to feel my presence. I guarantee my nearness and prayer,” the ex Argentine cardinal said.

“Cristina, in such these particular times, I wish to make myself present through my prayer for you and your full health recovery,” the pontiff’s message reads as reported by the Vatican official news website.

“Through these words, I beg you to have myself present. I guarantee my prayer and nearness. I ask the Virgin Mary, our Luján Virgin, to give you strength so that you keep your hope and can return to your everyday responsibilities,” Jorge Mario Bergoglio –now Pope Francis- adds and blesses Ms. Kirchner’s family and the medical team that is treating her.

“I do not forget about your relatives in these difficult circumstances, neither of the medical personnel that assists you, begging the Lord to give them light to make their decisions right. Have Jesus bless you and the saint Virgin to take care of you. Sincerely, Francis.”

From Uruguay President José “Pepe” Mujica also wished a “rapid recovery” to Cristina Fernández.

“Argentina and Latin America need her presence as a militant and fighter,” the Uruguayan chief stated, after it was confirmed that Cristina's procedure was a success.

Despite the recent tension between both countries due a possible increment in UPM pulp factory production, Mujica decided to put the conflict apart, and declared: “We hope to overcome rapidly this issue”.

In addition, he expressed that “a government can be good or ok. But the worst thing that can take place in Latin America, and especially in Argentina, is to not have a government”.