Global leaders extended their congratulations following the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, as the 267th Bishop of Rome. He was chosen on Thursday after the fourth ballot during the papal conclave that began the previous day.
At 69 years old, Prevost becomes the first American in history to ascend to the papacy. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025—Easter Monday.
A member of the Order of St. Augustine, Pope Leo XIV was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica. Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, he dedicated many years to missionary work in Peru and was later elected head of the Augustinian order for two consecutive terms.
His ecclesiastical career advanced steadily under Pope Francis. In 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. Later, he became a member of the Congregation for the Clergy (2019) and the Congregation for Bishops (2020). On January 30, 2023, he was called to Rome and appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, receiving the rank of Archbishop. That same year, he was made a Cardinal and assigned the Diaconate of Saint Monica.
Cheers erupted in St. Peter’s Square as white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a successful election. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped out to announce: “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a Pope.”
Appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd with a message of peace: “Peace be with all of you.” He invoked the words of the risen Christ and pledged to guide a united Church rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Gospel.
“Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God,” he said. “I, too, wish that this peace may reach your hearts, your families, and all peoples across the world.”
The historic moment prompted responses from leaders across the globe, expressing optimism for a papacy grounded in unity, compassion, and dignity.
U.S. President Donald Trump called the election a “great honour” for the country and said he looked forward to meeting the new pontiff, calling it a “very meaningful moment.”
President Bola described the election as the start of a new chapter for the Catholic Church, celebrating its enduring message of love, charity, and service to the less fortunate. He prayed for God to grant Pope Leo XIV wisdom and strength to spread a global message of peace.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that the Pope would champion the rights of migrants, especially Latin American communities struggling in the U.S. “I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world,” said Petro.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the opportunity to enhance ties between the Vatican and Israel. “We look forward to strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians, and deepening interfaith dialogue worldwide,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized shared Christian values as the foundation for continued cooperation between Russia and the Vatican. “Your role brings hope and guidance to millions during difficult times,” he said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the Pope’s spiritual influence, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez voiced hope for a pontificate committed to human rights and dialogue.
Polish President Andrzej Duda reaffirmed Poland’s historic ties with the Holy See, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wished Pope Leo XIV a pontificate marked by wisdom and peace. “We hope his leadership inspires the world through a strong commitment to dialogue and unity,” she stated.