World Leaders React to the Historic Election of Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff
A New Chapter in Church History: An American Pope for a Global Church
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American-Peruvian from Chicago, was elected Pope and chose the name Leo XIV. This historic decision marks the first time a U.S. citizen has led the Catholic Church, sending waves of emotion and hope through Catholic communities across the globe—especially among the 70 million Catholics in the United States.
The election was made official when Cardinal Mamberti pronounced the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The white smoke had spoken—Leo XIV would now succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
World leaders quickly responded. Here's how global governments reacted to this historic moment.
🇺🇸 United States: Pride and Joy from American Leaders
The reaction in the U.S. was one of national pride:
Former President Donald Trump called it a “Great Honor for our Country” and expressed anticipation to meet Pope Leo XIV.
Vice President J.D. Vance, a devout Catholic, praised the Pope’s election and asked Americans to pray for his leadership.
Former President Joe Biden offered blessings “to Pope Leo XIV of Illinois” on behalf of himself and his wife, Jill.
Barack Obama expressed pride for “a fellow Chicagoan” and shared hopes that the Pope would guide with unity and faith.
George W. Bush called it a “historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America.”
Bill Clinton described Pope Leo’s inaugural message as “a call for unity the world needs now more than ever.”
Keywords: American Catholic leaders, first U.S. Pope, Pope Leo XIV USA reaction.
🇦🇷 Argentina: A Lion's Papacy Begins
President Javier Milei hailed the election with a dramatic post featuring a lion in papal robes, referencing Leo's symbolic name. “THE FORCES OF HEAVEN HAVE GIVEN THEIR VERDICT,” he proclaimed.
Keywords: Argentine reaction to Pope Leo XIV, Latin American Catholics.
🇦🇺 Australia: A Moment of Global Catholic Hope
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the news as “a moment of joy and hope for Catholics all over the world,” reinforcing Australia’s commitment to peace and justice through faith.
Keywords: Pope Leo XIV Australian reaction, Catholic unity message.
🇦🇹 Austria: Celebrating a Global Shepherd
Chancellor Christian Stocker praised Leo XIV as a strong voice for “tolerance and peace in the world,” wishing him wisdom for the challenges ahead.
🇧🇷 Brazil: The Legacy Continues
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva hoped Leo would continue Pope Francis’s legacy of peace, social justice, environmental stewardship, and interreligious dialogue.
🇨🇴 Colombia: A Pope for Migrants and Climate Justice
President Gustavo Petro highlighted Pope Leo’s multicultural background and called him “a leader for migrants,” especially Latino communities in the U.S.
Keywords: Pope Leo XIV migrant advocate, Latino Pope perspective.
🇪🇨 Ecuador: Hope from the Heart of Faith
President Daniel Noboa welcomed Pope Leo XIV “with hope in our hearts,” echoing the voices of many South American Catholics.
🇪🇺 European Union: A Pontiff of Dialogue and Dignity
António Costa (European Council) celebrated the Pope’s capacity to unite in uncertain times.
Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission) emphasized wisdom and strength.
Roberta Metsola (European Parliament) called Pope Leo XIV “a beacon of hope.”
🇫🇷 France: A Pontificate of Peace and Brotherhood
President Emmanuel Macron described the election as “a historic moment” and extended wishes for a papacy filled with fraternity.
🇩🇪 Germany: A Moral Compass for the World
Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Pope Leo XIV as “an anchor for justice and reconciliation,” expressing gratitude on behalf of German Catholics.
🇬🇷 Greece: A Time of Opportunity
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Leo’s election as timely for “compassion and dialogue among faiths.”
🇭🇺 Hungary: A New Hope
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán simply posted: “Habemus Papam! A new hope. God bless Pope Leo XIV.”
🇮🇳 India: Advancing Harmony and Service
Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the Pope’s role in promoting peace and interreligious solidarity, affirming continued ties with the Holy See.
🇮🇪 Ireland: Joy Among the Faithful
Taoiseach Micheál Martin celebrated the “great joy” of Pope Leo’s election.
President Higgins praised the Pope’s potential for “moral clarity and global leadership.”
🇮🇱 Israel: Dialogue Across Religions
PM Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope for reconciliation.
President Isaac Herzog called for “building bridges between all faiths.”
🇮🇹 Italy: The Heart of the Catholic World Rejoices
PM Giorgia Meloni celebrated Leo’s “call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility” amid global unrest.
🇰🇪 Kenya: A Light of Compassion
President William Ruto described the Pope’s election as a moment to champion “justice, unity, and moral renewal.”
🇱🇧 Lebanon: A Papacy for All Humanity
President Michel Aoun prayed for wisdom and called the Pope’s leadership “a message of love and peace.”
🇲🇽 Mexico: A Humanist Spirit
President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed her hope for peace and humanist cooperation with the Vatican.
🇳🇬 Nigeria: Love and Charity
President Bola Tinubu saw Leo’s election as “a new chapter for the values of love, humanity, and charity.”
🇳🇴 Norway: The Power of Peace
PM Jonas Gahr Støre stressed the relevance of Pope Leo’s “bridge-building mission” in today’s world.
🇵🇪 Peru: A Native Son Returns
President Dina Boluarte honored Pope Leo XIV’s long ministry in Peru, where he gained citizenship in 2015. “His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the heart of Peru,” her office wrote.
Keywords: Pope Leo XIV Peru, American-Peruvian Pope, Peruvian Catholics.
🇵🇭 Philippines: The Poor at the Heart of the Church
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hoped Leo XIV would continue prioritizing the poor, saying the Filipino people are praying for his strength.
🇵🇱 Poland: A Moment of Profound Faith
President Andrzej Duda expressed his emotional response, calling Leo’s election “deeply moving.”
🇶🇦 Qatar: Diplomacy and Peace
Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent official congratulations, affirming the spiritual importance of the moment.
🇷🇺 Russia: Constructive Dialogue
President Vladimir Putin stated confidence that Russia-Vatican relations would strengthen under shared Christian values.
Conclusion: A Global Church Under American Leadership
Pope Leo XIV's election is more than a symbolic first—it’s a bridge between continents, cultures, and spiritual traditions. For American Catholics, this is a milestone moment: a Pope who understands their culture, speaks their language, and walks with their faithful.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the world—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—will be watching. And praying.
