The head of the Central African Republic bishops’ conference has said the country’s new president has a “real chance” of restoring peace and paid tribute to Pope Francis for paving the way to peaceful elections. Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui said: “Since the Holy Father’s visit, we’ve felt a wind of change blowing through our country – there’s been a total turnaround. “He came as a messenger of mercy and urged reconciliation in our communities. This summons to peace and forgiveness was heard by former enemies and combatants and has now become something real, giving the new president a real chance for peace.” Former prime minister Faustin-Archange Touadéra won 63 per cent of votes in the general election last month. He will be installed as president on March 30. “We couldn’t have found a better person to take the bull by the horns and begin repairing our country’s fractures,” said Archbishop Nzapalainga. “He’s someone who truly knows the country and is served with good advisers. This election has encouraged us to place hope in the future and put aside our past of firearms, machetes and terrible destruction.” Archbishop Nzapalainga told Catholic News Service that only someone with a “clear understanding” of the Central African Republic and the will to act decisively could heal divisions and overcome mistrust . The archbishop said: “I believe the new president will gather our people from east and west, north and south, reconciling them with themselves and others. “I also believe he’ll make justice possible for the victims of violence, enabling us to stand upright again and work together.”