World leaders welcome first US pope Robert Prevost
Peru's President Dina Boluarte hailed the "historic" election of a pope who has US and Peruvian nationality.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV on the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican shortly after his election as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, May 8, 2025. (Photo: AP/Domenico Stinellis)
World leaders on Thursday (May 8) welcomed the election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, who becomes the first leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics from the United States.
Prevost, 69, is a dual US-Peruvian citizen who worked for decades in the north of Peru, first as a missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who had led the Catholic Church since 2013.
US President Donald Trump congratulated the new pope and said it was "a great honour" for the country.
"I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment," he added.
Former US president Barack Obama congratulated the "fellow Chicagoan", and said: "This is a historic day for the United States, 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."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hoped for the "continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican", while Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is confident the "constructive dialogue and cooperation" between Russia and the Vatican will continue.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas sent his "best wishes" for success to Pope Leo XIV in maintaining the legacy of the late Pope Francis and his peace efforts.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog looked forward to stronger ties with the Vatican. "May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples," he said.
LATIN AMERICA SEES LEADER FOR PEACE
Peru's President Dina Boluarte hailed the "historic" election of a pope who has US and Peruvian nationality after spending more than 20 years in the country.
"In our lands, he sowed hope, walking alongside those most in need," she said.
Leader of the world's second-largest Catholic population, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Pope Leo's values "in favour of world peace and prosperity".
"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 organise," said Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
EUROPE LOOKS FOR "GUIDANCE"
"In a time marked by conflict and unrest, his words from the Loggia of Benedictions are a powerful call to peace, brotherhood and responsibility," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added that the pope provides "hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times".
"The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the church and in the world," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez added: "May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity."
France's President Emmanuel Macron highlighted "a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful".
"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," said Polish President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic.
