World leaders congratulate Pope Leo

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Leaders around the world have been issuing messages congratulating our newly-elected Pope Leo XIV.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the election as a "deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally."

He wrote: "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."

President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. 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!"

Barack Obama wrote: "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."

US vice president JD Vance wrote: "I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!"

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement, saying: "The white smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel signals the beginning of a new papacy - a moment of renewal, hope, and unity for more than a billion faithful worldwide.

"Canadians offer best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as he begins his papacy. At a time of profound global challenges, may his pontificate be marked by wisdom, discernment, a deep commitment to common good, and dignity of all. Canada looks forward to working with His Holiness to build a world guided by solidarity, justice, and sustainability."

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, the Church of England's current most senior bishop, said he looks forward to "working with" the new Pope. He said: "Pope Leo XIV's many years of pastoral experience, his commitment to justice, and his deep spirituality are an example of life lived in service to Jesus Christ."

"As Anglicans we give thanks for his call to Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the divisions that continue to exist between churches."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Pope Leo and said: "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."

Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote on the Kremlin website: "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."

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon posted on X: "My thoughts this morning are with Catholics in New Zealand and around the world as they celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV."

"As we saw with Pope Francis, the papacy holds extraordinary power to unite people across the globe in addressing the most urgent challenges of our time, especially the pursuit of justice and peace.

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote: "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."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonia wrote in a letter to Pope Leo: "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."

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement: "The election of a new Pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges. Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion."

The Secretary-General said he looks forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the UN and the Holy See - nurtured most recently by the late Pope Francis - to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.

"It is rooted in the first words of Pope Leo," he noted. "Despite the rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs, people everywhere share a common goal: May peace be with all the world."