Political figures around the world have begun congratulating Robert Francis Prevost for being chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Hailing from Chicago, Prevost is the first American Pope.
The decided vote to elect Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, comes after 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7, for the papal conclave—a ritual that has been followed to elect every Pope since 1179. On the first day, black smoke billowed from the chapel chimney, signifying that the initial vote was not conclusive. A day later, when white smoke appeared instead, the public knew that two-thirds of the cardinals had agreed on a candidate. Soon after, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti appeared on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and announced that Prevost would be the new Pope.
Pope Francis, who was elected by the cardinals in the conclave in 2013, died on April 21.
The 88-year-old was known for being a reform-minded leader of the Catholic Church and was the first Latin American Pope. He expressed support for same-sex civil unions and said that transgender people can be baptized. While, historically, the Catholic Church has been largely silent on the issue of climate change, Francis became a prominent figure in the worldwide climate movement. He also notably urged for peace amid global conflict. Soon after the initiation of the Israel-Hamas War on Oct. 7, 2023, Francis began making daily calls to the Holy Family parish, a Catholic Church in Gaza.
Here is how world leaders have reacted to the news that Prevost will be succeeding Pope Francis.
United States
U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended Francis’ funeral in April, posted his congratulations to Prevost on Truth Social.
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” Trump said. “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!”
Poland
Polish President Andrzej Duda, who also attended Francis’ funeral, offered his “heartfelt congratulations” to Prevost on X.
“This is a deeply moving moment for the community of the Catholic Church and for the whole world,” he said.
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