Global Leaders Congratulate Pope Leo XIV on His Election

Leaders from around the globe have extended their congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, following his election as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV was officially declared the new Pontiff at the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica on Thursday.

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti delivered the traditional proclamation, “Habemus Papam,” announcing to the city of Rome and the world the election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.

He succeeds Pope Francis, who served as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his passing on 21 April 2025.

Kenyan President, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, offered his congratulations, expressing hope that Pope Leo XIV’s papacy would be marked by compassion, justice, and unity.

“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on your election as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. May your papacy be a shining light of love, hope, and compassion; may it uplift the poor, give voice to the voiceless, heal divisions, and steadfastly champion peace, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity around the world,” President Ruto said.

He further added “May your leadership inspire faith, unity, and moral renewal today and for generations to come. Congratulations!”

Tanzanian President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, also extended her heartfelt wishes.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, on being elected as the Leader of the Catholic Church Worldwide. On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I wish you all the best in your service to the Church and the world at large. May God bless and guide you,” she stated.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledged the significance of the election, particularly for Americans.

“Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” said Obama.

Ugandan Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Anitah Annet Among, joined in celebrating the new Pope’s election and extended her prayers for a fruitful and peaceful papacy.

“I would like to congratulate the Mother Church and all the Catholic faithful around the world on the election of our new leader, Pope Leo XIV. I join everyone in thanking God Almighty for this important development and in praying for the Successor of St. Peter and the Bishop of Rome. May your papacy be filled with exceptional wisdom, lasting peace, and God’s guiding hand. I pray that God grants him good health as he shepherds God’s people,” she said.

Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, extended her heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV upon his ascension to the papacy as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, which serves over 1.4 billion faithful worldwide.

“Your Holiness, the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Pope Leo XIV, I offer my warmest congratulations on your ascension to the papacy,” she stated. “May your leadership guide the Catholic Church with wisdom, compassion, and spiritual strength.”

She further added, “Wishing you peace, joy, and divine guidance in your ministry. May the Catholic Church continue to thrive under your spiritual leadership. Congratulations to the College of Cardinals and the entire Catholic Church.”

Pope Leo XIV now begins his journey as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics around the world, stepping into a role shaped by deep faith, global expectation, and profound responsibility.

Shortly after being announced by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world with these words at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica:

Pope Leo XIV: Greetings to Rome and to the world

Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.

This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter.

Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.

Thank you Pope Francis!

Thank you to my Cardinal brothers who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.

I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.

To the Church of Rome, a special greeting:

We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.

[In Spanish]:

Hello to all and especially to those of my diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop.

[Returning to Italian]:

To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.

Today is the day of the Supplicatio [Plea] to Our Lady of Pompei.

Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, she always wants to help us with her intercession and her love. So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world.

We ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother.

Hail Mary… [accompanied by the crowds in St Peter’s Square and around the world.]