World Leaders React as American Robert Francis Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV

Political figures around the world have congratulated Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, after his election on Thursday, May 8, 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.

133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7, for the papal conclave—a ritual that has been followed to elect every Pope since 1179. On the first day, black smoke billowed from the chapel chimney, signifying that the initial vote was not conclusive. A day later, when white smoke appeared instead, the public knew that a new Pope had been elected. Soon after, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti appeared on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square and announced Prevost's new title.

Read More: ‘Peace Be With You’: Pope Leo XIV Steps Onto the World Stage

Prevost follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, aged 88, after a series of complicated health issues.

Francis, who became Pope in 2013, was known for being a reform-minded leader of the Catholic Church and was the first Latin American Pope. He expressed support for same-sex civil unions and said that transgender people can be baptized. While, historically, the Catholic Church has been largely silent on the issue of climate change, Francis left behind a notable environmental legacy. He also urged for peace amid global conflict. Soon after the initiation of the Israel-Hamas War on Oct. 7, 2023, Francis began making daily calls to the Holy Family parish, a Catholic Church in Gaza.

Read More: The Enduring Connection Between Pope Francis and a Parish in Gaza

Here is how world leaders have reacted to the news of Prevost being Francis' successor and becoming the first American Pope.

United States

U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended Francis’ funeral in April, posted his congratulations to Prevost 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 Pope 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, a Catholic, also issued a response to the news, saying: “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.”

Australia

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 Pope Francis, welcomed the new Pope in a message coming from the world’s largest Catholic nation.

“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,” he 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 said on X that Prevost “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.”

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.”

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered “sincere felicitations and best wishes” for the new head of the Catholic Church, via a statement shared on social media.

“His leadership of the Catholic Church comes at a moment of profound significance in advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, solidarity, and service,” said Modi. “India remains committed to continued dialogue and engagement with the Holy See to further our shared values.”

Ireland

Ireland’s Taoiseach [Prime Minister] 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, who attended Francis’ funeral in April along with Irish President Michael D. Higgins, said that he looks forward to working with the new Pope. He also extended his congratulations to the U.S., “a country with which Ireland enjoys such a deep and strong relationship.”

“To have a Pope from their country is a source of great pride and honour for their nation,” he concluded.

Ireland's President Higgins gave his “warmest congratulations” to the first American Pope in an official statement.

“This is an immensely significant moment for all those of faith and goodwill around the world who look to the Papacy for spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and global leadership at a time described by his predecessor Pope Francis as needing the vocation of diplomacy,” he said, adding that Pope Leo's appointment comes at a time of “great challenges for this world.”

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Prevost in a statement posted on the Prime Minister’s official X account, 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 speaking 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 in Spanish: “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.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu offered his “warmest congratulations” to the new Pope via an official statement shared by the government's office.

“President Tinubu believes 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,” the statement read.

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 offered his congratulations to the new Pope.

“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.

Slovakia

President Peter Pellegrini celebrated the appointment of Pope Leo XIV via a statement shared on X. “Wishing our new Pontifex a profound and impactful mission ahead. As the Pope of Peace, may you lead us in building bridges and fostering unity in a divided world,” he said.

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 Prevost, saying: “May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”

Sweden

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a post on X: “Habemus Papam! On behalf of the Swedish Government, my sincere congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as head of the Catholic Church. We wish him strength and courage in continuing to promote human dignity, dialogue, peace and unity of a just world.”

Ukraine

In a statement posted on X, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Prevost 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,” he 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.”

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Prevost’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 American 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.”

According to a statement from Buckingham Palace, King Charles III reached out directly to the new Pope in light of his appointment.

“The King has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election as the 267th Pontiff and Bishop of Rome. His Majesty sent his, and Her Majesty’s, most sincere good wishes for his Pontificate," the statement read.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan also congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a post on social media.

“Llongyfarchiadau [congratulations] from Wales to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Pope. May his papacy bring peace and understanding,” Morgan said.

United Nations

Secretary of the United Nations António Guterres said he looks forward to working with the new Pope.

“My heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and Catholics around the world,” Guterres said. “Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity, and compassion.”

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.