World leaders congratulate new Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV. (Photo: THX/TTXVN)

On May 8, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing that the world needs the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion.

“I look forward to continuing the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See – sustained under Pope Francis – to promote solidarity, reconciliation and a just and sustainable world for all,” he said.

From Washington, D.C., US President Donald Trump stated: "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been elected Pope."

According to him, this is a great honor as this is the first time the Pope is an American, and he expressed his expectation to meet Pope Leo XIV.

Former US President Barack Obama and former President Joe Biden also sent congratulations to the new Pope. Former President Obama called the new Pope a "fellow Chicagoan" and stressed that this was a "historic day" for the United States.

“Michelle and I congratulate the new Pope Leo XIV, a son of Chicago,” he wrote on social media X. “This is a great day, and we will be praying for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church.”

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized his hope to deepen the long-standing relationship between the US and the Holy See under the leadership of "the first Pope from America."

From Europe, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen sent warm congratulations, expressing the hope that Pope Leo XIV's reign will be guided by wisdom and strength, to lead the Catholic community and inspire the world through its commitment to peace and dialogue.

French President Emmanuel Macron called it “a historic moment for the Catholic Church and millions of believers around the world."

On social media, President Macron shared: "To Pope Leo XIV and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a message of solidarity. May this new reign be one of peace and hope."

In Spain, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia shared on social media that the Pope's call for peace was inspiring and empowering, and reflected the deep aspirations of the Spanish people.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sent a congratulatory message, stressing: “Through your role, you bring hope and direction to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times."

From Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated and expressed his wish to continue maintaining "constructive dialogue and cooperation between Russia and the Vatican based on shared Christian values."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also sent his congratulations and expressed hope for a "reign of building bridges and understanding between religions and peoples."

“We look forward to strengthening relations between Israel and the Holy See, as well as promoting friendship between Jews and Catholics in the Holy Land and throughout the world,” he said.

He also called for “the immediate and safe release of all hostages still held in Gaza, and a new era of peace for the region and the world.”

In Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent his congratulations and expressed hope: "The Vatican will continue to be a spiritual and moral support in efforts to restore justice and build a lasting peace." The leaders of Australia, South Africa and Nigeria also sent their congratulations to Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV - born Robert Francis Prevost - is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

He is also the first American in history to be elected Pope, marking a symbolic turning point in the more than 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, with more than 1.4 billion believers worldwide./.

According to VNA

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cac-nha-lanh-dao-the-gioi-chuc-mung-tan-giao-hoang-leo-xiv-248174.htm