Since his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV and the entire Catholic Church worldwide have been receiving messages of congratulations from leaders across the world. Below are some of such messages that have been pouring in:
“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!” – US President, Donald Trump
“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!” – US Vice President Vance
“May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity” – Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez.
“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” – Polish President, Andrzej Duda
“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.” – Israeli President, Isaac Herzog
“I wish the first pope of the United States to succeed in promoting hope and reconciliation between all beliefs” – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
“Best wishes for success at Pope Leo XIV in the pursuit of his noble task and the maintenance of the inheritance of the late Pope Francis and his peace efforts…the importance of the moral, religious and political role of the Holy See in the defense of the just causes, at the forefront of which that of the Palestinian people and their right to freedom and independence” – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate. 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” – Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky
“I am sure that the constructive dialogue and the interaction established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us” – Russian President, Vladimir Putin
“Sincere congratulations…We want his pontificate to be guided by wisdom and strength, while he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world by his commitment to peace and dialogue” – President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen
“The election is a historic moment for the Catholic Church…May this new pontificate be one of peace and hope” – French President, Emmanuel Macron
“The new Pope is an anchor for justice and reconciliation” – German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz
“Your election is a deeply profound moment of joy. 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” – British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer
“Congratulations…Your words are a powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility in a period marked by conflict and unrest” – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
“Your leadership comes at a time when the world faces profound challenges but also great opportunities for unity, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and faiths” – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
“I rejoice with the leadership of and congregants of the Catholic Church in Nigeria on the historic election of the new Pontiff whose message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world. We value relations shared between Nigeria and the Holy See over many years and acknowledge the rewarding partnership with the Catholic Church in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and, more recently, the promotion of technology in advancing human capacity. The election of Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity, particularly to the underprivileged that it has consistently projected. I pray that the Almighty God will continuously shed his light of glory over the new leader of the Catholic Church and grant him good health and wisdom so that he can reach the world with the message of peace and love” – Nigerian President Bola Tinubu
