pPolitical figures around the world congratulate Robert Francis Prevost Election as successor to Pope Francis. Prevost is from Chicago and is the first pope in the United States and will be called Pope Leo XIV.
133 Cardinals entered the Sistine Church of the Pope at the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7, a ceremony that has been electing every pope since 1179. On the first day, smoke rolled out from the church chimney, indicating that the initial vote was not the original vote. A day later, when Baiyan appeared, the public knew that two-thirds of the cardinals had agreed to the candidate. Soon after, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti.
Prevost follows Pope Francis' footsteps, who died on April 21 after a series of complex health problems.
Read more: Robert Prevost, who will become Pope Leo
Read more: Pope Leo on a specific issue
The 88-year-old became the pope in 2013, known for being the reform leader of the Catholic Church and was the first Latin American pope. He expressed support for the same-sex civil union and said transgender people can be baptized. Although historically, Catholicism has remained silent on climate change, Francis has become an outstanding figure in the global climate movement. In amid global conflict, he also specifically urged peace. On October 7, 2023, shortly after the Israel-Hamas war began, Francis began calling the Holy Family Diocese of the Catholic Church in Gaza every day.
This is the reaction of world leaders to prophetic news Will succeed Pope Francis.
USA
U.S. President Donald Trump attended Francis’ funeral in April, congratulating the Truth Society.
"It's an honor to realize that he is the first pope in the United States," Trump said. "What excitement is an honor to our country. I look forward to meeting the Pope's Leo. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
Catholic Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis in the Vatican the day before his death, and he shared his message to celebrate the news.
"Congratulations to the first Pope Lion in the United States for the election of XIV!" Vance posted on X. "I'm sure thousands of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful leadership of the church. May God bless him!"
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, a Catholic, also responded to the news, saying: "May God bless Pope Leo XIV in Illinois."
He continued to congratulate Prevost on behalf of himself and his wife, former first lady Jill Biden.
Ireland
Ireland's Doysach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin shared a statement on X as announcing the new pope.
"The great joy and the scenes of the celebrations in St. Peter's Square reflect the hope and kindness that Catholic believers from all over the world feel to the people of the New Pope," he said. "I hope that the best wishes to Pope Leo will give him strength and support when taking on a huge and huge responsibility. I know he has the best wishes of all the Irish people, including all traditions."
Martin attended Francis' funeral with Irish President Michael D. Higgins last month, and he said he was looking forward to working with the new pope.
Martin also congratulated the United States, "a country with such deep ties to Ireland."
He concluded: “Having a pope from their country is the root of pride and honor for his country.”
U.K.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement on X that Prevost's election "a profound joy for Catholics in Britain and around the world".
He said: “As Pope Francis’s Pope has shown, the Holy See plays a special role in bringing people and nations together to solve the main problems of our time; especially in climate change, poverty alleviation and the promotion of global peace and justice.”
“I look forward to meeting the Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church in the UK and internationally to enhance our shared values and common interests.”
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her "most sincere wish, he began for the religion of Leo." She said, "in a time marked by conflict and turmoil," the new pope shared a "strong call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility" while speaking on the balcony.
Read more: 10 Surprising Facts About the Pope Conference
Poland
Polish president Andrzej Duda also attended Francis' funeral, and he expressed his "heartfelt congratulations" to X.
“It’s a deep moment for the Catholic Church and communities around the world,” he said.
Ukraine
In a statement released on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Prevost on his election, adding that he hopes the two will work together in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
"Ukraine deeply values the Holy See's unanimous position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine and protecting the rights of innocent civilians," he said. "At a decisive moment in our country, we hope that the Vatican will continue to support morally and spiritually in Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and achieve lasting peace."
Colombia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on X that “not just Americans”, which emphasizes that the new pope’s ancestors were from Spain and France, who lived in Peru for many years.
“I hope he is a great leader in immigration around the world, and I hope he lifts up our Latino immigrant brothers and sisters who are currently humiliating in the United States, and it’s time for their organization,” Petro said. “May he help us build a great power of humanity to defend life and defeat the greed that has led to the climate crisis and biological extinction.”
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez congratulated the Catholic Church and said: “May his purpose be to strengthen dialogue and defense of human rights in a world of hope and solidarity.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron called on May 8 in a post about X.
“I have a brotherly message for the Pope’s Leo XIV, and for all Catholics in France and around the world,” Macron said. “May this new purpose be one of peace and hope.”