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,”.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei met Pope Leo at the Vatican, confirming the pontiff’s upcoming visit to Argentina.
Pope Leo XIV met with Napoli’s soccer team at the Vatican on Tuesday to celebrate their Serie A victory. Napoli clinched the title, known as the "Scudetto" after beating Cagliari, finishing just one point ahead of Inter Milan.
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to meet with Pope Leo XIV on Monday at the Vatican, the president announced earlier today.
The inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV took place in Vatican City, attended by international dignitaries, including Azerbaijani parliament speaker.
Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy on Sunday, emphasizing unity, preserving the Church’s traditions, and addressing global conflicts during his inaugural Mass attended by world leaders and thousands of faithful.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
Canada warns the U.S. to reach a trade deal by 21 July or face new steel and aluminium tariffs, as PM Carney vows to protect Canadian workers from U.S. measures.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Canada warns the U.S. to reach a trade deal by 21 July or face new steel and aluminium tariffs, as PM Carney vows to protect Canadian workers from U.S. measures.
SpaceX’s massive Starship spacecraft dramatically exploded late Wednesday night during testing at the company’s test site in Brownsville, Texas. The incident marks the latest setback for billionaire Elon Musk’s ambitious plan to send humans to Mars.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief strongly rejects allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors' report of the 12 June provided Israel with the justification to attack Iran.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
Canada warns the U.S. to reach a trade deal by 21 July or face new steel and aluminium tariffs, as PM Carney vows to protect Canadian workers from U.S. measures.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
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