Pope Leo XIV Is Elected and World Leaders React to the Historic Appointment

• Pope Leo XIV is American
• Elected in the Sistine Chapel
• World leaders offer their congratulations

The cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel made a historic decision on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

The College of Cardinals elected Augustinian Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, from Boston, United States, as the new Supreme Pontiff.

Cardinal Prevost will henceforth be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th successor to the Apostle Saint Peter.

Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted into applause when they saw the white smoke rise from the chimney at the Vatican.

Reactions to the Election of the New Pope

The ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica accompanied the cheers of those celebrating the new spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The election of Leo XIV has sparked a wave of global reactions.

Vladimir Putin Expresses Confidence in Dialogue with the Vatican Under the New Pope

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated: “I trust that constructive dialogue and cooperation between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values we share.”

“I wish Your Holiness success in fulfilling the great mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being,” the Russian leader added.

Daniel Noboa Welcomes the New Pope with Hope

From Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa welcomed the pontiff with hopeful words: “We welcome Pope Leo XIV with hope in our hearts.”

“May his words unite, comfort, and guide millions in times of uncertainty. Our prayers accompany him from Ecuador,” he wrote on social media.

María José Pinto Calls for Peace and Unity

Vice President-elect María José Pinto also responded enthusiastically:

“I extend a respectful greeting and my best wishes to His Holiness Leo XIV, with the hope that his leadership will inspire dialogue, peace, and unity among nations.”

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António Guterres (UN): Hopes for Cooperation

UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated Catholics on the election of the new pontiff.

“The United Nations looks forward to working with the new Pope,” said Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference Celebrates Joyfully

The Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference quickly released a statement: “We have received with great joy the announcement of the election of the 267th successor of the Apostle Saint Peter, Pope Leo XIV.”

“We give thanks to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, the Supreme Shepherd, who never abandons His people on their journey through history.”

“We welcome Pope Leo XIV with believing hearts and commit to continue walking in the hope that does not disappoint.”

“We entrust the evangelizing and synodal mission of Pope Leo XIV to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

“We trust that he will continue to be a tireless pilgrim of hope and a joyful messenger of the Gospel of peace, life, freedom, tenderness, and compassion for the men and women of our time.”

Claudia Sheinbaum Reaffirms Humanist Values

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered her congratulations to the new pontiff.

“We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the College of Cardinals as head of the Vatican City State and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.

I reaffirm our shared humanist principles in favor of peace and global prosperity.”

Pedro Sánchez Hopes for a Hopeful Pontificate

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also joined the international voices: “Congratulations to the entire Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV. May his pontificate strengthen dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”

Volodymyr Zelensky Hopes for Moral Support from Rome

From Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his moral support: he hopes that Leo XIV will provide spiritual support to his country in the face of the Russian invasion.

Mexican Episcopal Conference: “The Holy Spirit Has Guided This Election”

The Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM) celebrated the appointment with joy: “With great joy, we have received the news that after the fourth round of voting by the cardinal electors, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, has been elected Pope and will take the name Leo XIV, becoming the 267th Successor of Peter.”

“The Holy Spirit has guided this election; in it, we recognize the will of Jesus Christ, who through the person and ministry of the Pope, continues to guide us to faithfully fulfill the mission that the Church and the world need at this time in history.”

“As bishops of the Church that journeys through Mexico, we join in filial obedience to the successor of the Apostle Peter and thank him for his generous yes in accepting this mission with faith and hope.”

“We invite all the People of God in Mexico to pray for the Holy Father and rejoice in the beginning of his pontificate.”

With Leo XIV at the helm, the Catholic Church begins a new era marked by global challenges, renewed hope, and the longing of millions seeking spiritual guidance in turbulent times.

What do you hope to see from Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate in such a changing world? Share your thoughts in the comments!

SOURCE: La Silla Rota / Teleamazonas