Political figures around the world have issued messages of congratulation to Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, after his election on Thursday as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Hailing from Chicago and a dual U.S.-Peru national, Prevost is the first North American Pope and second from the Americas, after his late predecessor Francis.
Here is how world leaders have reacted to the news.
United States
President Donald Trump, who attended Francis’ funeral in April, posted his congratulations to Leo on Truth Social.
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” Trump said. “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!”
Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic who met with Francis in the Vatican a day before his passing, shared his own message celebrating the announcement.
“Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!” Vance posted on X. “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, also a Catholic, posted a response to the news, saying on X: “May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.” He went on to congratulate Prevost on behalf of himself and his wife, former First Lady Jill Biden.
Former President Barack Obama posted on X that he and former First Lady Michelle Obama sent their congratulations “to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”
“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,” Obama said.
On the official X account for the George W. Bush Presidential Center, former President George W. Bush shared a statement congratulating Leo and calling his election a “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,” Bush said.
Former President Bill Clinton shared a message on X after Leo gave his inaugural address before a crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. “In his first message today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke to billions—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—calling for unity and offering peace, a message the world needs now more than ever,” Clinton said. “As the first American to lead the Catholic Church, his election marks a historic moment. I join in wishing His Holiness many blessings.”
Argentina
Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, posted a message on X shortly after Leo, whose name derives from the Latin for lion, was revealed to the world. The post included a seemingly AI-generated image of a lion in papal robes.
“THE FORCES OF HEAVEN HAVE GIVEN THEIR VERDICT CLEARLY,” Milei wrote in Spanish. “No more words, Your Honor. End.”
Australi
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Leo on X. “This is a moment of joy and hope for Catholics all over the world,” Albanese wrote. “May God bless Pope Leo XIV and may his papacy advance the cause of peace and justice, in the service of all humanity.”
Austria
Christian Stocker, Chancellor of Austria, said in German shared on X that he was “pleased” about the election of Pope Leo XIV.
“Habemus papam!” Stocker wrote, referencing the Latin phrase for ‘We have a Pope!’. “As Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria and as a Christian, I congratulate the Holy Father on his responsible office and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate. The challenges of our time are great. This makes a strong voice for tolerance and peace in the world all the more important. May his work be an inspiration and hope to many people.”
Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a longtime friend of Francis, welcomed the new Pope in a message coming from the world’s largest Catholic nation by population.
“I hope he continues the legacy of Pope Francis, whose main virtues were the incessant search for peace and social justice, the defense of the environment, dialogue with all people and all religions, and respect for the diversity of human beings,” Lula said on X in Portuguese.
“May Pope Leo XIV bless us and inspire us in our ongoing pursuit of a better and more just world.”
Colombia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on X that Leo “is more than just an American,” highlighting how the new Pope’s ancestors are Spanish and French, and that he lived in Peru for many years.
“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 U.S. It’s time for them to organize,” Petro said. “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.”
Ecuador
Daniel Noboa, the President of Ecuador, posted on X that the country welcomed Leo as the new Pope “with hope in our hearts.”Daniel Noboa, the President of Ecuador, posted on X that the country welcomed Leo as the new Pope “with hope in our hearts.”
European Union
Leaders in the European Union also extended their congratulatory messages to the new Pope.
European Council President António Costa posted on X: “I warmly welcome the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, a moment of hope for millions around the world. In times of division and uncertainty, his spiritual leadership can help inspire unity, compassion, and peace. The European Union and the Holy See share a deep commitment to human dignity. I’m looking forward to working together in our shared pursuit of the common good.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X: “We sincerely congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Pope and head of the Catholic Church. We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue ↓”
And European Parliament President Roberta Metsola posted on X: “Welcome, Pope Leo XIV. May your leadership of the Catholic Church be a beacon of hope to all the faithful. And that your wisdom and strength continue to inspire the world as we work towards building bridges, unity and peace.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron called May 8 “a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful” in a post on X.
“To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity,” Macron said. “May this new Pontificate be one of peace and hope.”
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz posted on X in German: “Your Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I warmly congratulate you on your election as head of the Catholic Church. You give hope and guidance to believers worldwide and are an anchor for justice and reconciliation. I wish you strength, health and God’s blessing.”
Greece
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, extended his congratulations to Leo on X. “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.”
Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán kept his message brief for the newly elected Pope. “Habemus Papam! A new hope,” Orban posted on X. “God bless Pope Leo XIV.”
Ireland
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin shared a statement on X after the new Pope was announced. “The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St. Peter’s Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new Pope,” he said. “I hope that this ground swell of best wishes towards Pope Leo XIV will give him strength and support as he takes on the immense responsibility of his pontificate. I know that he has the best wishes of all Irish people, of all traditions.”
Martin said that he looks forward to working with the new Pope. Martin also extended his congratulations to the U.S., “a country with which Ireland enjoys such a deep and strong relationship,” he said. “To have a Pope from their country is a source of great pride and honour for their nation.”
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Leo in a statement posted on X, saying: “I wish the first Pope from the United States success in fostering hope and reconciliation among all faiths.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also shared a statement on X, saying that he looked forward to “deepening the relationship” between Israel and the Vatican. “May your papacy be an opportunity to build bridges and promote understanding among all religions and people,” Herzog said.
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her “most sincere wishes to Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate” in a post on X in Italian. She said that “in a time marked by conflict and unrest,” the new pontiff had shared a “powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility” when he spoke from the balcony.
Kenya
William Ruto, President of Kenya, congratulated Leo on X. “May your papacy be a shining light of love, hope, and compassion; may it uplift the poor, give voice to the voiceless, heal divisions, and steadfastly champion peace, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity around the world,” he wrote. “May your leadership inspire faith, unity, and moral renewal today and for generations to come. Congratulations!”
Lebanon
The office of the Lebanese President posted on X in Arabic: “President Aoun congratulated the Church and the world on the election of Pope Leo XIV. We pray to God to grant him health, well-being, and wisdom to lead the Church during this important phase of its history, and to grant him success in his efforts to spread the message of love and peace throughout the world, to promote dialogue between different religions and cultures, and that his reign be filled with achievements that serve all of humanity.”
Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on X: “We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the College of Cardinals as Head of Vatican City State and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. I reaffirm our humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity.
Norway
“The Pope’s message of peace is a crucially important one,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said on X. “Today, his emphasis on the need for building bridges is more significant than it has been for a long time.”
Peru
Peru’s President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra and the Peruvian government celebrated the election of Leo—who holds Peruvian citizenship after spending much of his career there. “Born in the United States and naturalized Peruvian in 2015, His Holiness lived and served for years in our country, where he shared the life of the people with humility, love, and profound faith,” a statement from the presidential office shared on X read. “His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the heart of Peru. The Peruvian people, a nation of faith and hope, join in prayer for his pontificate and celebrate with gratitude that a pastor who loved Peru now guides the universal Church.”
Philippines
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, where around 79% of the population is Catholic, congratulated Leo in a message shared on Facebook. “As the new pontiff, who took the papal name Leo XIV, ascends the Chair of St. Peter and assumes the mantle of Bishop of Rome, I pray that he will continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged,” Marcos wrote. “The Filipino people are also praying for the new pope’s strength and good health as he leads the faithful with grace, wisdom and compassion.”
Poland
Polish President Andrzej Duda offered his “heartfelt congratulations” to Leo in a post on X in Polish.
“This is a deeply moving moment for the community of the Catholic Church and for the whole world,” he said.
Qatar
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, sent “a cable of congratulations” to Leo, according to a statement by the Qatari Diwan.
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered his congratulations to the new Pope on May 8.
“I am certain that the constructive dialogue and interaction that has been established between Russia and the Vatican will develop further on the basis of the Christian values that unite us,” news outlets quoted him as saying.
South Africa
In a post on X, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa called Leo’s election a “profound moment for the Catholic Church as well as the global community,” and said that the country wishes the new Pope a “blessed and transformative papacy.”
“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,” Ramaphosa said. “May the ceremonial white smoke that signalled the consensus of the Conclave prevail over the dark plumes of military bombardments affecting various regions of the world today.”
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered his congratulations to the Catholic Church and Leo, saying: “May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”
Ukraine
In a post on X, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Leo for his election, adding that he hoped the two could work together amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
“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,” Zelensky said. “At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.” He ended his message with the Latin phrase Ad multos annos!, or “To many years!”
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Leo’s election “a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally” in a statement posted on X. He said Prevost being the first U.S.-born Pope was “momentous.”
“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,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting the Holy Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church here in the U.K. and internationally to advance our shared values and the common good.”
Venezuela
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela issued a statement congratulating Leo. “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela congratulates with profound respect and hope His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, trusting that his leadership will mark a new time of spiritual renewal, justice, and rapprochement among peoples,” it read.
Edmundo González, Venezuela’s President-elect, also shared a congratulatory message for the newly-elected Pope. “May his pontificate shine with spiritual strength and wisdom. I trust that his leadership will bring comfort to the peoples who suffer today, especially to my noble people of Venezuela,” González posted in Spanish on X.
Zambia
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema posted on X: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church. May his leadership be blessed with wisdom, compassion, and strength as he shepherds the Church in these defining times.”