The announcement that US Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named Pope Leo XIV has triggered pleasure tinged with hope around the globe, with leaders from quite a few international locations providing their congratulations.
The ascension of Prevost, the primary particular person from the US to ascend to the best place within the Catholic Church, has additionally sparked dialogue about what his tenure might imply for the church’s management on a bunch of points, amongst them immigration and battle.
The brand new pope has beforehand posted social media criticisms of US Vice President JD Vance.
JD Vance is flawed: Jesus would not ask us to rank our love for others https://t.co/hDKPKuMXmu by way of @NCRonline
— Robert Prevost (@drprevost) February 3, 2025
The late Pope Francis, in his ultimate hours, had met Vance, and is alleged to have chastised him on the administration’s efforts towards migrants and the poor.
Pope Francis was additionally a staunch advocate for Palestinians and saved in common contact with Catholics in Gaza amid Israel’s assault. Pope Leo XIV has not mentioned a lot publicly about Gaza, making it unclear if he’ll emulate his predecessor.
Listed here are a number of of the reactions that world leaders have provided up to now:
Argentina
President Javier Milei: “The forces of Heaven have clearly given their verdict. No extra phrases, Mr. Decide. Finish.”
Brazil
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: “I want to greet the American Cardinal Robert Prevost, chosen as we speak to steer the future of the Catholic Church, with the identify of Leo XIV. I hope he continues the legacy of Pope Francis, whose primary virtues had been the incessant seek for peace and social justice, the protection of the surroundings, dialogue with all peoples and all religions, and respect for the variety of human beings. We don’t want wars, hatred and intolerance. We want extra solidarity and extra humanism. We want love for our neighbor, which is the premise of Christ’s teachings. Might Pope Leo XIV bless us and encourage us in our ongoing quest to construct a greater and extra simply world.”
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro: “The brand new Pope, Leo XIV, is extra than simply an American. His instant ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived for forty years in our Latin America, in Peru. I hope he turns into an incredible chief for migrant peoples around the globe, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated as we speak within the U.S. It’s time for them to prepare. Might it assist us construct the good pressure of humanity that defends life and defeats the greed that has triggered the local weather disaster and the extinction of all residing issues. Chicago is the good working-class and progressive metropolis of the US. I really feel hopeful.”
France
President Emmanuel Macron: “A historic second for the Catholic Church and its hundreds of thousands of trustworthy. To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the globe, I lengthen a message of fraternity. On this Might eighth, might this new preach be one in all peace and hope.”
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban: “We have now a pope! There’s hope!”
Lebanon
President Joseph Aoun: “We pray to God to grant him well being, well-being, and knowledge to steer the Church throughout this vital section of its historical past.”
Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum: “We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the Faculty of Cardinals as Head of Vatican Metropolis State and religious chief of the Catholic Church. I reaffirm our humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity.”
Russia
President Vladimir Putin: “Please settle for my heartfelt congratulations in your election as Pope. I’m assured that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will proceed to develop on the premise of the Christian values that unite us. I want you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the excessive mission entrusted to you, in addition to good well being and well-being.”
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: “Congratulations to the entire Catholic Church on the election of the brand new Pope Leo XIV. Might his preach contribute to strengthening dialogue and the protection of human rights in a world in want of hope and unity.”
Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “On this decisive second for our nation, we hope for additional ethical and religious help from the Vatican for Ukraine’s efforts aimed toward restoring justice and reaching an enduring peace.”
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound second of pleasure for Catholics in the UK and round globally, and begins a brand new chapter for the management of the church and on this planet. Pope Leo is the primary American Pope. It is a momentous second. As Pope Francis’ papacy confirmed, the Holy See has a particular position to play in bringing folks and nations collectively to handle the main problems with our time; particularly on local weather change, assuaging poverty and selling peace and justice the world over.”
United States
President Donald Trump: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was simply named Pope. It’s such an honor to appreciate that he’s the primary American Pope. What pleasure, and what a Nice Honor for our Nation. I look ahead to assembly Pope Leo XIV. It is going to be a really significant second!”
Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, US, Prevost’s place of origin: “Every part dope, together with the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the primary American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you again dwelling quickly.”
