Monsignor Michael McPartland, the Apostolic Prefect and the most senior Catholic on the Falklands, told the BBC those remarks would cause concern.

BBC: UK welcomes election of new Pope Francis

The 65-year-old from Brazil has had his reputation bolstered since taking over as prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in 2011.

BBC: Papal conclave: Runners and riders