The election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church and the United States. As the first American pontiff, his appointment was met with notable attention from political leaders across continents, each emphasizing the spiritual and diplomatic implications of his papacy.
US President Donald Trump called the election a great honor for the country and expressed his enthusiasm about meeting the new pope. Leaders from Latin America to Europe also offered their congratulations while outlining hopes for future collaboration.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged Pope Leo XIV to be a strong advocate for migrant populations, particularly Latin Americans facing hardship in the United States. In the Middle East, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed a desire to deepen ties between Israel and the Vatican and to foster interfaith understanding.
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized shared Christian values as a basis for continued cooperation, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the pope’s role as one of hope and guidance amid global uncertainty. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez focused on human rights, calling on the new pontiff to strengthen global dialogue and unity.
Polish President Andrzej Duda cited the special bond between Poland and the Vatican rooted in shared values, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the new pope’s potential to inspire peace and dialogue worldwide.
Pope Leo XIV now begins his papacy at a time of complex global challenges, inheriting leadership of the Church’s 1.4 billion members across diverse cultural and political landscapes. His American origin, a first in Vatican history, is seen as both symbolic and transformative in the evolving global role of the Church.
