Cardinal Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) has been elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, becoming the first American Pope in Catholic Church history, succeeding the late Pope Francis. World leaders have sent their felicitations

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]elicitations from world leaders greeted the emergence of Cardinal Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

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Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday the 8th of May after the fourth ballot cast by Cardinals in the conclave, which began on Wednesday.

The 69-year-old Prevost is the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday).

Pope, who is of the religious order of St Augustine, was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot, at the Autustinian College of Saint Monica.

The new Pope, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms.

On September 26, 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis.

In 2019, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy and in 2020, a member of the Congregation for Bishops.

On January 30, 2023, the Pope called him to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoting him to the rank of Archbishop.

Pope Francis created him Cardinal in the Consistory of September 30 that year and assigned him the Diaconate of Saint Monica.

Minutes after white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced to the waiting crowds, “I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope.”

Emerging from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the first words of Pope Leo XIV to the waiting crowds at the Vatican were, “Peace be with all of you.”

After invoking peace, he pledged to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and to the Gospel.

He said, “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.”

His historic election immediately drew reactions from global leaders, who expressed hope for a papacy focused on unity, peace, and human dignity.

United States President Donald Trump called the appointment a “great honour” for the country and said he looked forward to meeting Pope Francis, describing it as a “very meaningful moment.”

President Bola said the election of Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity, particularly to the underprivileged, that it has consistently projected.

The President, therefore, prayed that the Almighty God will continuously shed his light of glory over the new leader of the Catholic Church and grant him good health and wisdom so that he can reach the world with the message of peace and love.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced hope that the new pope would become a strong advocate for migrants, particularly Latin American communities facing adversity in the United States.

Petro noted, “I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It’s time for them to organise.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the opportunity to deepen relations between Israel and the Vatican, expressing a desire for strengthened interfaith ties.

Herzog said, “We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world.

May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the shared Christian values between Russia and the Vatican, affirming continued dialogue and cooperation.

“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop based on the Christian values that unite us,” said Putin.

“Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed hopes that the pontificate would strengthen dialogue and human rights.

Polish President Andrzej Duda reaffirmed Poland’s readiness to build on its historic ties with the Vatican, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wished Pope Leo XIV a tenure marked by peace and wisdom.

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“We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue,” said Leyen.