World leaders welcome Pope Leo XIV as first North American pontiff

Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement came on May 8, when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that the 133 cardinals had reached a decision.

The papal conclave first began on May 7. However, no candidates standing for the papacy received the required majority of eighty-nine votes. This led to a failed voting round and a revote on the second day, resulting in the declaration of the new pope.

As the world witnesses the first North American pope, here’s how global leaders are welcoming him with warm wishes and messages of support.

Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and more leaders welcome Pope Leo XIV

President Donald Trump on Instagram welcomed the newly elected pope by writing,

"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. 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!"

The former president of the United States, 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."

Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, on X (formerly Twitter) wrote,

"Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic community worldwide. I wish the first Pope from the United States success in fostering hope and reconciliation among all faiths."

Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, on X wrote,

"I extend my most sincere wishes to Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate. In a time marked by conflict and unrest, his words from the Loggia delle Benedizioni are a powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility. A spiritual legacy that follows the path traced by Pope Francis, and that Italy looks at with respect and hope."

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, on X posted,

"The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and around the world. I look forward to meeting the Holy Father soon."

President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, wrote,

"We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the College of Cardinals as Head of Vatican City State and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. I reaffirm our humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity."

Robert Francis Prevost is sixty-nine years old and is the first pope from the United States in history.

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