On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV and becoming the first American pontiff. His unexpected election garnered widespread international attention and support. U.S. Presidents—former and current—including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump, all offered their congratulations, expressing national pride and expectations for spiritual leadership. Global leaders such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the Pope’s potential to influence peace, justice, and climate action. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Latin American leaders, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s multicultural background and his time in Latin America. German, Austrian, Hungarian, and Spanish leaders also welcomed him with optimism and support for unity, justice, and human rights. These global reactions signal high hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership in tackling global challenges and uniting diverse communities under shared values of compassion and peace.

In his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with “Peace be with all you,” and expressed a desire to build on Pope Francis’ reforms, advocating for peace, charity, and attention to the suffering.

Pope Leo XIV’s election follows the death of Pope Francis, whose funeral was held on April 26, 2025.

Source: Reuters