People in power all over the world, from Washington to Rome, were shocked when American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as the next head of the Catholic Church.
There is now a new pope for the 1.4 billion Catholics in the world.
He also comes from North America for the first time in history.
A lot of people who follow the Vatican were shocked when American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen to lead the Church on Thursday. The 69-year-old Augustinian Prevost has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV. He spent most of his time in the church overseas before taking a top job in the Vatican.
The news came after white smoke came out of the chimney in the Sistine Chapel, which meant that the College of Cardinals had chosen a new Pope to replace Pope Francis, who died in April.
A lot of people were very interested in what was going on because they wanted to know if the cardinals would choose a leader like Francis or someone more traditional. As a cardinal, Prevost worked for many years in Peru and, like Francis, put a high priority on helping the poor and those who are on the outside.
The 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church was chosen after a conclave that lasted just over 24 hours and was mostly made up of cardinals.
This is how world leaders and other people responded to the news:
In a social media post, President Trump said, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope.” The fact that he is the first American Pope is a great honor. That is so exciting, and it is a great honor for our country. I can’t wait to meet Pope Leo XIV. It is going to be a very important moment!”
“Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!” Vice President JD Vance wrote on X. There are probably a lot of Catholics and other Christians in the United States who will pray for him to do a good job leading the Church. God bless him!”
Obama, who used to be president, said on X, “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.” Today is a big day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he takes on the holy job of leading the Catholic Church and being a good model for many people of all faiths.
“Laura and I are thrilled to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to the papacy,” says the X account. Right now is an important and positive time for Catholics in the US and around the world. We pray for Pope Leo XIV’s success as he gets ready to lead the Catholic church, help those in need, and spread God’s love.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X, “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the UK and around the world. It also marks the start of a new era for the leadership of the church and the world.” Pope Leo is the first pope from the United States. “This is a very important moment.”
Macron, the president of France, said on X, “A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful.” I want to send a word of friendship to Pope Leo XIV and all Catholics in France and around the world. May this new pontificate bring peace and hope on May 8th.
Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on being elected to the See of Saint Peter and the start of his rule! This is what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X. Ukraine really appreciates that the Holy See has always stood up for international law, spoken out against Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, and protected the rights of innocent civilians. I pray that His Holiness Leo XIV has the wisdom, inspiration, and mental and physical strength to do what he has to do. Many happy years!”
Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, wrote on X, “I send my best wishes to Pope Leo XIV for the start of his pontificate.” In a time of war and unrest, what he said from the Loggia delle Benedizioni is a strong call for peace, unity, and duty. Following the spiritual road set by Pope Francis, this is something that Italy respects and hopes for.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on X, “We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV on becoming Head of Vatican City State and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. He was chosen by the College of Cardinals.” I repeat that we are all humanists working for peace and wealth in the world.
“I warmly congratulate you on your election as head of the Catholic Church,” wrote German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on X. You give Christians all over the world hope and direction, and you are a stronghold for justice and peace. I hope you are strong, healthy, and blessed by God.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X, “We are deeply pleased that His Holiness Leo XIV has been elected as Pope and leader of the Catholic Church.” He leads the Catholic community and inspires people around the world with his dedication to peace and discussion. We pray that his pontificate is marked by wisdom and strength.
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