World leaders welcomed the election Thursday of Robert Cardinal Francis Prevost as the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV, is the first pope from the United States.
According to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the election of Prevost as the Pope is ‘A Great Honor’ to Americans.
He said: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” said US President Donald Trump. “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
The President of Colombia Gustavo Petro urged the Catholic Pontiff to become ‘leader for migrants’ just like his predecessor Pope Francis.
Gustavo Petro said: “I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It’s time for them to organize.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog calls for stronger ties between the Vatican and Israel, saying, “we look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world. May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples,” said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the new Pope to provide hope and guidance to millions of believers, adding that, “Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times.”
Strengthen ‘human rights’: Spain
Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “May his pontificate contributes to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic urged the new Pope to strengthen the bond between Poland and Vatican, adding that, “Please accept the assurance of the readiness of the Republic of Poland to further strengthen these unique bonds — in the name of shared values, responsibility for the common good and the strengthening of peace in the world.”
