The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow! On behalf of the Church of Uganda, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on your election as the 267th Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church,” Archbishop Kaziimba wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday. “We give thanks to God for your calling to this high office of global spiritual leadership.”
Archbishop Kaziimba reaffirmed the Church of Uganda’s commitment to biblical faithfulness and theological orthodoxy principles, he noted, that are also deeply valued by the Catholic Church.
“We especially rejoice in our shared concern for the poor and our mutual desire to see lives transformed through Gospel-based approaches to holistic development,” he said. “May the Lord continue to strengthen you as you serve the Church and the world with humility, courage, and compassion in Jesus’ name.”
He also highlighted the longstanding cordial relations between Anglicans and Roman Catholics in Uganda.
“Anglicans in Uganda have long enjoyed warm and respectful relationships with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters,” he noted. “We look forward to continuing this spirit of ecumenical fellowship under your leadership, standing together in witness to Christ amidst the challenges of our time.”
He concluded with a word of prayer: “We are praying for you, Pope Leo XIV, as you begin this new season of ministry. May the Holy Spirit guide and sustain you in all wisdom, truth, and grace.”
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Peruvian-American prelate, was elected Pope and spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8, 2025. A senior cardinal announced his election to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, revealing that the newly elected pope had chosen the name Leo XIV.
Born in the United States on September 14, 1955, Pope Leo XIV has had a distinguished ecclesiastical career. He most recently served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023.
Earlier in his ministry, he served as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2015–2023), and was the Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013. He became a naturalized citizen of Peru in 2015, as confirmed by Peru’s National Civil Registry.
Pope Leo XIV is the first pope born in the United States and the first from North America.
