World leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV

Leo XIV

Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope on Thursday, May 8, the second day of the conclave, becoming the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church and head of state of the Vatican. His election, under the name Leo XIV, was hailed by many leaders worldwide.

Donald Trump (United States)

Minutes after Leo XIV appeared on the Vatican balcony, Donald Trump sent his regards to the first US pope via Truth Social: “What excitement and what a Great Honor for our Country.” He added that he was “looking forward” to meeting the new pontiff.

Vladimir Putin (Russia)

Vladimir Putin congratulated the new pope, expressing his hope for continued constructive cooperation between Moscow and the Vatican, according to Russian news agencies citing the Kremlin. “I am confident that the constructive dialogue and interaction that have been established between Russia and the Vatican will develop further, based on the Christian values that unite us,” the Russian president declared.

Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukraine)

The Ukrainian president welcomed the new Pope on his X account: “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 lasting peace,” wrote Volodymyr Zelensky. “I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength, both spiritual and physical, in fulfilling his noble mission.”

Ursula von der Leyen (European Union)

Ursula von der Leyen also shared a few words on the election of Pope Leo XIV. “We wish that his pontificate will be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world with his commitment to peace and dialogue,” said the President of the European Commission.

Giorgia Meloni (Italy)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the Pope's first speech as a “powerful call for peace, fraternity, and responsibility.” On X, she also praised “a spiritual legacy that follows the path traced by Pope Francis, and that Italy looks at with respect and hope.”

Friedrich Merz (Germany)

The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, addressed Pope Leo XIV in a statement: “Through your office, you offer hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide in these times of great challenges.”

Emmanuel Macron (France)

On his X account, the French president hailed a “historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful.” Emmanuel Macron added: “To Pope Leo XIV, to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a message of fraternity. On this May 8, may this new pontificate be a bearer of peace and hope.”

Keir Starmer (United Kingdom)

For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a moment of profound joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and around globally”.

Pedro Sanchez (Spain)

"May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity," the Spanish Prime Minister declared on X, congratulating "the entire Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV."

Luis Montenegro (Portugal)

Still on the social network X, the Prime Minister of Portugal congratulated the new pope while wishing him “a pontificate full of light, humanism and universalism.” He continued: “In this international period of great instability and uncertainty, may Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See make their voices heard to promote peace, empathy, compassion, and understanding among all.”

Andrzej Duda (Poland)

Polish President Andrzej Duda posted a lengthy message on his X account to Pope Leo XIV. “This is a deeply moving moment for the Catholic Church community and for the whole world. In Poland, we experience it with great emotion and hope,” he wrote, then affirmed his country's desire to “further strengthen these unique ties” with the Vatican.

Mark Carney (Canada)

"Canadians offer best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as he begins his papacy," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. "At a time of profound global challenges, may his pontificate be marked by wisdom, discernment, a deep commitment to common good, and dignity of all," he said.

Lin Jian (China)

Beijing also congratulated the new pope the day after his election: “We hope that, under the leadership of the new pope, the Vatican will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with China and conduct in-depth communication on international issues of common concern,” said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Viktor Orbán (Hungary)

“Habemus Papam! A new hope,” reacted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on his X account.

Lula (Brazil)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva congratulated Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope that he will continue “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 concluded his message on X with the words: “May Pope Leo XIV bless us and inspire us in our ongoing pursuit of a better and more just world.”

Javier Milei (Argentina)

President Javier Milei from Argentina, also reacted to the election of the new pope by posting on social media an AI image of a lion—”león” in Spanish—dressed in papal robes, a nod to his own party's symbol. “THE FORCES OF HEAVEN HAVE GIVEN THEIR VERDICT CLEARLY,” he wrote, hinting at a possible mystical interpretation linked to himself. He concluded: “No more words, Your Honor. End.”

Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico)

In a more sobering register, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated the new pope on her X account, reaffirming a “humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity.”

Gustavo Petro (Colombia)

Meanwhile, the Colombian president stressed that Pope Leo XIV was “more than an American,” referring to his his time spent in Peru. “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 US,” he said on X.

Joseph Aoun (Lebanon)

“President Aoun congratulated the Church and the world on the election of Pope Leo XIV,” the Lebanese presidency said in a statement. Joseph Aoun, the only Christian head of state in the Arab world, hopes that the new pope “to promote dialogue between different religions and cultures, and that his reign be filled with achievements that serve all of humanity.”