Introduction to Pope Leo XIV
On Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV and becoming the first American pontiff. This historic moment has elicited warm congratulations from world leaders, reflecting the global significance of this event.
Reactions from World Leaders
Donald Trump, President of the United States
“What excitement, and what a great honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very significant moment!”
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
“I sincerely congratulate you on your election as Pope. I trust that the constructive dialogue and cooperation between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of our shared Christian values. I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling your high mission, as well as good health and well-being,” stated on the Kremlin’s website.
Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico
“We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the College of Cardinals as head of the State of the Vatican City and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. I reaffirm our humanist convergence for peace and prosperity in the world.”
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
“The election of Pope Leo XIV is a moment of profound joy for Catholics in the UK and around the world, marking a new chapter for the Church’s leadership and global influence. As demonstrated by Pope Francis’ papacy, the Holy See plays a special role in uniting people and nations to address the great challenges of our time, especially climate change, poverty alleviation, and promoting peace and justice worldwide.”
Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
“The Italian people will look to him as a guide and reference point, recognizing the spiritual and moral authority that stems from his unending message of love, charity, and hope rooted in God’s Word. I express my warmest congratulations in a letter to the Pope.”
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
“A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a fraternal message. May this May 8th bring peace and hope with this new pontificate.”
Dina Boluarte, President of Peru
“President Dina Boluarte Zegarra and the Government of Peru extend their fraternal and respectful greetings to His Holiness Robert Prevost, recently elected as the new Pope of the Catholic Church. Born in the United States and naturalized Peruvian in 2015, he lived and served in our country for years, sharing the life of the people with humility, love, and profound faith. His closeness to those in need left an indelible mark on the heart of Peru.”
Government of Venezuela
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela congratulates with profound respect and hope His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, trusting that his leadership will mark a new era of spiritual renewal, justice, and rapprochement among peoples.”
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
“Pope Leo XIV is more than just an American. His immediate ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived for forty years in our Latin America, in Peru. May he be the great leader of migrant peoples worldwide and encourage our Latin American brothers, who are currently humiliated in the US. It’s high time for their organization.”
Santiago Peña, President of Paraguay
“We welcome the news of the election of the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, with immense joy. May his guidance bring hope, dialogue, and unity in a time when we need Christian values more than ever to build a more humane world.”
Javier Milei, President of Argentina
“The heavens have pronounced their verdict clearly. No more words, Mr. Judge. Fin.”
Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador
“We welcome Pope Leo XIV with hope in our hearts. May his word comfort and guide millions during uncertain times. Our prayers accompany him from Ecuador.”
George W. Bush, Former President of the United States
“This is a historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in the United States and faithful around the world. We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic Church, serve the most in need, and share God’s love.”
Christian Stocker, Chancellor of Austria
“Habemus Papam! I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on assuming this great responsibility and wish him strength and wisdom for his pontificate.”
Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany
“I warmly congratulate you on your election as head of the Catholic Church. Through your position, you offer hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide in these times of great challenges. For many people, you are a beacon of justice and reconciliation. In Germany, people anticipate your pontificate with confidence and positive expectations.”
Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary
“We have a Pope! There’s hope!”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pope Leo XIV? Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in the United States, is the first American pontiff and the 266th successor of Saint Peter. He was elected on May 8, following the resignation of Pope Francis.
- Why is his election significant? His election marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as he is the first American Pope. It also signifies a new chapter in the Church’s global leadership, with expectations for his role in addressing contemporary challenges.
- How have world leaders responded? World leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Claudia Sheinbaum, Keir Starmer, and many others, have extended their congratulations and expressed hope for his papacy.
