In a mass in Buenos Aires last year to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1982 invasion by Argentine forces, Jorge Mario Bergoglio – the then still cardinal – described Britain as 'usurpers' for ruling the Falkland Islands.



He told veterans: "We come to pray for those who have fallen, sons of the country who went out to defend their mother country, to reclaim that which is theirs and was usurped from them."



Three years earlier, Cardinal Borgoglio had told the families of Argentine soldiers killed in the conflict before they travelled to the military cemetery on the islands: "Go and kiss this land which is ours, and seem to us far away."



Senior figures in the Falklands responded by calling the remarks unhelpful, but added that the new pope would be welcome to visit the islands to understand the views of its inhabitants.



However, the strongly worded comments have sparked fears that the Argentine authorities, in particular President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, will use the election of the new pope for their own benefit.

Reports have emerged that President Kirchner hailed the election of Jorge Bergoglio as the new pope, hinting that he should mediate in the Falklands dispute.



She wished Pope Francis I "luck" and asked that "in his pastoral mission, which we hope will be a a significant labour for the church, he carries the message to the great world powers that they participate in dialogue".



She went on to refer to dialogue with the UK about the sovereignty of the Falklands Islands. "A dialogue of civilisations where things are resolved by diplomatic channels rather than by force," she said.

"We trust and we ask God that he help make it possible that just causes also sometimes triumph in this blessed land we call Earth, because I am sure that God and the Virgin also wish it so."