World leaders react to election of Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff

From Washington to Rome and beyond, world leaders continue to welcome the election of Pope Leo XIV, recognising the historic nature of the first American pontiff and the hopes it brings for global unity and moral leadership.

World leaders continue to react to the historic election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the 267th pontiff and the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

White smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday signalled his election by at least 89 of 133 cardinals. His first public words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica were, “Peace be with all of you!” as bells tolled and crowds erupted in celebration.

First reactions from global leaders:

U.S. President Donald Trump

“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!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us.”
“I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being,” Putin said in a telegram published by the Kremlin.

French President Emmanuel Macron

“A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a fraternal message.”
“On this May 8th, may this new pontificate bring peace and hope.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex on his election to the See of Saint Peter. 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.”
“I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength—both spiritual and physical—in carrying out his noble mission. Ad multos annos!”

Argentine President Javier Milei

“The forces of Heaven have clearly given their verdict. No more words, Mr. Judge. End.”

Argentine Presidential Spokesman Manuel Adorni

“Congratulations to Leo XIV on his assumption of office. May his leadership and wisdom guide us in difficult times. The world needs the awakening of the lions.”
“God bless you and may the Forces of Heaven be with you.”

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker

“Habemus Papam! I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on taking this office that carries such great responsibilities and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

“I warmly congratulate you on your election as the head of the Catholic Church. Through your office, you offer hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide in these times of great challenges.”
“In Germany, people look to your pontificate with confidence and positive expectation. I wish you much strength, good health, and God’s blessing for the tasks that lie ahead of you.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez

“Congratulations to the whole Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV as @Pontifex_en. May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán

“We have a Pope! there is hope!”

As more reactions pour in, it is clear that Pope Leo XIV’s election has stirred a global wave of goodwill and expectations. The Vatican, under his leadership, now begins a new chapter at a time of complex challenges and growing spiritual needs.

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

"The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world."

"Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment. 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."

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI

"Italians will look to you as a guide and point of reference, recognizing in the Pope and the Church that spiritual and moral authority that derives from its inexhaustible message of love, charity and hope, which flows from the Word of God," she said in a letter to the Pope.

FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

"This an 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."

SPIRITUAL LEADER OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS BARTHOLOMEW I 

“I greet the new Pope, the new Bishop of Rome, with great brotherly love in Christ and great expectations.” 

“I hope that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will be a dear brother and collaborator ... for unity of the whole Christian family and for the benefit of the whole of humankind,”.

Copied