As millions of Catholics around the world continued their celebrations at the new appointment, religious leaders in Scotland extended their wishes to the pontiff.

Today marks Pope Francis' second full day in office, his appointment coming on Wednesday evening after being chosen by the 115 voting cardinals.

Dr Muhammad Kauser, president of Glasgow Central Mosque, said he hoped the new Pope would visit Glasgow.

And he said he looked forward to extending the hand of friendship to the new pontiff as the faiths joined to support one another.

Dr Kauser said: "We at Glasgow Central Mosque – and Muslims across Scotland – welcome the appointment of Pope Francis.

"He seems to be a very experienced person and enjoys a good reputation.

"The Muslim population as a whole, and particularly in Glasgow, are very happy about the appointment and are looking forward to having a meeting when the time comes for him to visit Scotland so that we can stand together as faith communities on issues common to all of us."

Tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square as black smoke billowing from the roof of the Sistine Chapel turned white - signalling a choice had been made.

Cheers rang out among the peal of bells from St Peter's Basilica and churches across Rome.

Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 76-year-old archbishop of Buenos Aires, was a surprise choice and appeared stunned as he greeted crowds from the Papal balcony.

The Most Reverend David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, added his warm wishes to greetings being extended to the new Pope.

He praised the choice for Pope Francis' "simplicity of life and his compassionate humility".

Rev Chillingworth said: "The Scottish Episcopal Church warmly welcomes the election of Pope Francis.

"He is known for his simplicity of life and his compassionate humility.

"The Church in South America expresses vigorous life and a deep commitment to justice for the poor.

"God has called him to this ministry at a time when its demands seem overwhelming.

"We pray that God will equip him with the grace which he needs to fulfil the task. We also pray that his many gifts and his experience will enable him to lead the Church forward in mission and service."

The Right Reverend Albert Bogle, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "We in the Church of Scotland extend to our friends in the Roman Catholic Church our best wishes on hearing the news of the election of Pope Francis I.

"As this new chapter commences in the history of the world church we look forward with joyful anticipation to the growing understanding that continues to be evident among all Christians of good will."

"We look to the Holy Spirit to bring about the deepening unity within the church, for which we all long."

Rabbi Avrohim Rubin of the Giffnock and Newlands Hebrew Association added: "In his opening remarks to the crowd Pope Francis asked the crowd to pray, so I pray that with his unique style of humility he will succeed in inspiring and guiding the Catholic Church around the globe.

"I wish him all the strength and courage he will need for this awesome position.

"His recent predecessors made great strides in inter-faith dialogue in general, and with the Jewish faith in particular, and I look forward in continuing that dialogue."

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk