US President Trump, world leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV

President Donald Trump on Thursday hailed the election of new Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, as a "great honour" for the country.

"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

Recommended For You

Trump says US will hit Iran 'very hard' tonight, take control over Kharg Island

Iran says 2 ships hit in Hormuz, US Fifth fleet targeted in Bahrain

US attacks third Indian-crewed vessel near Oman for violating blockade

Child injured, vehicles and buildings damaged in Bahrain after Iranian attack: Ministry

Strait of Hormuz closed 'until further notice' after US strikes: PGSA

 

"I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Meanwhile, former US President Barack Obama called it a "historic day for the United States."

"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," Obama said.

Another former President George W Bush said: "This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world. We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God's love."

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the "momentous" election of Pope Leo XIV, saying he looked forward to working with the new American pontiff.

"The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world," Starmer said in a statement. "Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment."

Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin wished newly-elected Pope Leo XIV "success", saying he hoped the American pontiff would engage in "constructive dialogue" with the Kremlin.

"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," Putin said in a message published by the Kremlin.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron greeted the election of Pope Leo XIV, hoping for a pontificate of "peace and hope".

"A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful," he posted on social media. "To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity. On this May 8th, may this new pontificate be one of peace and hope."

Spain

Spain's left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he hoped newly elected Pope Leo XIV would "contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights".

"May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity," Sanchez wrote on X.

Italy

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that Italians will look to Pope Leo XIV "as a guide."

"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," she said in a letter to the Pope.

(With inputs from Reuters)