IN QUOTES: Global reaction to Pope Leo, the first US pontiff
World leaders react to the election of the Catholic Church’s new leader
08 May 2025 - 21:57
byReuters
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The newly elected pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, on Vatican balcony in Vatican City, May 8 2025. Picture: CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/GETTY IMAGES
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV and the first US pontiff.
Here is the reaction from notable figures:
President Cyril Ramaphosa
“Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis.”
US President Donald Trump
“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!”
Former US President Barack Obama
“This is a historic day for the US, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
Former US President George W Bush
“This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the 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 neediest and share God’s love.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
“The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the UK and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world.
“Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment. 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; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world.”
People celebrate after the newly elected pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, was announced at the Vatican, May 8 2025. Picture: MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
“Italians will look to you as a guide and point of reference, recognising in the pope and the church that spiritual and moral authority that derives from its inexhaustible message of love, charity and hope, which flows from the word of God,” she said in a letter to the pope.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as pope. I am confident that the constructive dialogue and co-operation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us.
“I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and wellbeing,” he said in a telegram published on the Kremlin website.
French President Emmanuel Macron
“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. On this May 8th, may this new pontificate bring peace and hope.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
“The new pope, Leo XIV, is more than just an American. His immediate ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived 40 years in our Latin America, in Peru.
“I hope he becomes a great leader for migrants around the world, and I hope that he lifts up our Latino migrant brothers and sisters who are currently being humiliated by the US It’s time for them to organise.
“May he help us build the great force of humanity that defends life and defeat the greed that has caused the climate crisis and the extinction of living things.”
Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa
“We welcome Pope Leo XIV with hope in our hearts. May your word unite, comfort, and guide millions in times of uncertainty. Our prayers are with you from Ecuador.”
Argentinian President Javier Milei
“The forces of Heaven have clearly given their verdict. No more words, Mr Judge. End.”
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker
“Habemus Papam! I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on taking this office that carries such great responsibilities and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
“I warmly congratulate you on your election as the head of the Catholic Church. Through your office 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 look to your pontificate with confidence and positive expectation. I wish you much strength, good health, and God’s blessing for the tasks that lie ahead of you.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
“In this decisive moment for our country, we hope for further moral and spiritual support from the Vatican for Ukraine’s efforts aimed at restoring justice and achieving a lasting peace.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“Congratulations to the whole Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV as @Pontifex_en. May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
IN QUOTES: Global reaction to Pope Leo, the first US pontiff
World leaders react to the election of the Catholic Church’s new leader
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV and the first US pontiff.
Here is the reaction from notable figures:
President Cyril Ramaphosa
“Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis.”
US President Donald Trump
“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!”
Former US President Barack Obama
“This is a historic day for the US, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
Former US President George W Bush
“This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the 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 neediest and share God’s love.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
“The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the UK and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world.
“Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment. 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; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
“Italians will look to you as a guide and point of reference, recognising in the pope and the church that spiritual and moral authority that derives from its inexhaustible message of love, charity and hope, which flows from the word of God,” she said in a letter to the pope.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as pope. I am confident that the constructive dialogue and co-operation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us.
“I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and wellbeing,” he said in a telegram published on the Kremlin website.
French President Emmanuel Macron
“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. On this May 8th, may this new pontificate bring peace and hope.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
“The new pope, Leo XIV, is more than just an American. His immediate ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived 40 years in our Latin America, in Peru.
“I hope he becomes a great leader for migrants around the world, and I hope that he lifts up our Latino migrant brothers and sisters who are currently being humiliated by the US It’s time for them to organise.
“May he help us build the great force of humanity that defends life and defeat the greed that has caused the climate crisis and the extinction of living things.”
Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa
“We welcome Pope Leo XIV with hope in our hearts. May your word unite, comfort, and guide millions in times of uncertainty. Our prayers are with you from Ecuador.”
Argentinian President Javier Milei
“The forces of Heaven have clearly given their verdict. No more words, Mr Judge. End.”
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker
“Habemus Papam! I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on taking this office that carries such great responsibilities and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
“I warmly congratulate you on your election as the head of the Catholic Church. Through your office 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 look to your pontificate with confidence and positive expectation. I wish you much strength, good health, and God’s blessing for the tasks that lie ahead of you.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
“In this decisive moment for our country, we hope for further moral and spiritual support from the Vatican for Ukraine’s efforts aimed at restoring justice and achieving a lasting peace.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“Congratulations to the whole Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV as @Pontifex_en. May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
“We have a Pope! There is hope!”
Reuters
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