World leaders respond to the election of Pope Leo XIV

By CathNews New Zealand

May 9th, 2025

Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowds in St Peter's Square at the Vatican (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

US President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo on his election to lead the Catholic Church on May 8, and said it "is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope".

US Cardinal Robert Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, is originally from Chicago.

“What excitement, and what a great honour for our country,” President Trump said, as reported by Reuters.

“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

ABC in the United States reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he hopes Pope Leo will continue the Church’s “moral” support of Ukraine.

He posted on X: “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.

“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. I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration and strength – both spiritual and physical – in carrying out his noble mission.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the election as a “deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally”, which “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,” Sir Keir said.

“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.

“I look forward to meeting the Holy Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church here in the UK and internationally to advance our shared values and the common good.”

Russian news agencies reported that President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pope Leo on his election and said “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”.

FULL STORY

Live: Cardinal Robert Prevost from US named as Pope Leo XIV | RNZ News (Radio New Zealand)

Donald Trump says he ‘can’t wait’ to meet Pope Leo as he joins Sir Keir Starmer and world leaders in congratulating the first American pontiff | Daily Mail Online (Daily Mail)