World leaders, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and United States President Donald Trump, have congratulated the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on Thursday, May 8, 2025, after the fourth round of voting by cardinals at the Vatican. The 69-year-old, originally from Chicago, is the first American to become Pope in the Church’s history.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
After the traditional white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti stepped forward to announce, “I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope.”
Pope Leo XIV later stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and greeted the cheering crowd with the words, “Peace be with all of you!”
He added, “Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ. I want this greeting of peace to reach your hearts, your families, all peoples, and the entire earth.”
President Bola Tinubu said the Pope’s election opened a new chapter for the Church and for global values of love, charity, and peace.
He prayed that God would give Pope Leo XIV good health and wisdom “so that he can reach the world with the message of peace and love.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump described the election as a “great honour” for the United States. “This is a very meaningful moment,” he said, adding that he looks forward to meeting the new Pope.
Other world leaders also shared their hopes for Pope Leo’s papacy.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said, “I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples, especially Latin Americans facing hard times in the United States.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he hoped for stronger ties between Israel and the Vatican. “May your papacy build bridges and promote understanding between faiths,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the shared Christian values between Russia and the Vatican. “Your role gives hope to millions of believers around the world,” he said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wished the Pope a peaceful and wise leadership.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “We hope his time as Pope will be guided by wisdom and bring peace to the world.”
Born on September 14, 1955, Robert Prevost spent many years as a missionary in Peru and led the Augustinian order before becoming a bishop in 2015. Pope Francis appointed him to important roles in the Vatican, including Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Now as Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the 267th head of the Catholic Church, leading over 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
