American Elected Pope: World Leaders React to Pope Leo XIV
The world is welcoming a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope on May 8, taking the name Leo XIV, The Gaze reports.
Prevost, a dual U.S.-Peruvian citizen, is the first North American pontiff and the second from the Americas, following his late predecessor, Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at age 88, had redefined the role with a progressive agenda. His successor inherits a Church navigating complex global challenges—and has received an outpouring of messages from world leaders expressing both congratulations and expectations.
United States
President Donald Trump, who attended Francis’ funeral last month, wrote on Truth Social:
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Vice President J.D. Vance, a practicing Catholic, added:
“Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Argentina
President Javier Milei reacted with characteristic flair, posting an AI-generated image of a lion in papal robes with the caption:
“THE FORCES OF HEAVEN HAVE GIVEN THEIR VERDICT CLEARLY. No more words, Your Honor. End.”
Austria
Chancellor Christian Stocker wrote in German:
“Habemus papam! … I congratulate the Holy Father on his responsible office and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate. The challenges of our time are great. This makes a strong voice for tolerance and peace in the world all the more important. May his work be an inspiration and hope to many people.”
Brazil
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva invoked Pope Francis’ legacy in his message:
“I hope he continues the legacy of Pope Francis, whose main virtues were the incessant search for peace and social justice, the defense of the environment, dialogue with all people and all religions, and respect for the diversity of human beings. May Pope Leo XIV bless us and inspire us in our ongoing pursuit of a better and more just world.”
European Union
European Council President António Costa posted:
“I warmly welcome the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, a moment of hope for millions around the world. In times of division and uncertainty, his spiritual leadership can help inspire unity, compassion, and peace. The European Union and the Holy See share a deep commitment to human dignity. I’m looking forward to working together in our shared pursuit of the common good.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added:
“We sincerely congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Pope and head of the Catholic Church. We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue.”
Ukraine
In a statement posted on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Prevost for his election, adding that he hoped the two could work together amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians,” he said. “At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.”
France
President Emmanuel Macron posted:
“To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity. May this new Pontificate be one of peace and hope.”
Germany
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said:
“Your Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I warmly congratulate you on your election as head of the Catholic Church. You give hope and guidance to believers worldwide and are an anchor for justice and reconciliation. I wish you strength, health and God’s blessing.”
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán posted succinctly: “Habemus Papam! A new hope. God bless Pope Leo XIV.”
Sweden
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said:
“On behalf of the Swedish Government, my sincere congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as head of the Catholic Church. We wish him strength and courage in continuing to promote human dignity, dialogue, peace and unity of a just world.”
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the election
“a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally,” and said, “As Pope Francis’ papacy showed, the Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the major issues of our time.”
King Charles III sent a private message, offering his and Queen Camilla’s “most sincere good wishes for his Pontificate.”
Poland
President Andrzej Duda posted in Polish:
“This is a deeply moving moment for the community of the Catholic Church and for the whole world.”
As The Gaze previously reported, in a landmark decision, the College of Cardinals has elected American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.