Shortly after his first appearance on the Vatican balcony on Thursday, leaders around the world sent a message of congratulations to 69-year-old Robert Francis Pribble.
Prevost, a Chicago native but a Peruvian citizen, was the first US citizen to hold the position of head of the Roman Catholic Church. For a long time, there has been a taboo for the US Pope given the country’s geopolitical weight in secular territory.
US President Donald Trump wrote in the True Society that he was looking forward to meeting the new clergy, saying, “It was an honor to recognize him as the first American pope.
Vice President JD Vance is convinced that “millions of American Catholics and other Christians pray for his successful work leading the church,” he wrote in a post in X.
The Pope of Peace
Pope Leo appears to be cantor around the theme of peace in his first public speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral.
“I want to enter this greeting of peace into your heart and reach your family and all people, wherever you are, and all people, and all Earths.
This sentiment was reflected in many congratulatory messages from world leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the Pope’s election a “historic moment” and “hoped that this new Pope would be one of peace and hope.”
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer called it a “significant moment,” saying that Holy Sea “plays a special role in connecting people and nations to deal with the big issues of our time.”
“This is a very moving moment,” said Polish President Andrze Duda. “In Poland, we experience it with great emotion and hope.”
An era of conflict and anxiety
Greek Prime Minister Kiliakos Mitotakis congratulated the new Pope, saying that his leadership “comes when the world is not only facing deep challenges, but also in great opportunities for unity, compassion and dialogue between people and faith.”
And Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hoped the Pope could strengthen “dialogue and human rights defense.”
“In an age characterized by conflict and unrest, his words from the logging of blessings are a powerful call for peace, fraternity and responsibility,” Italian President Giorgia Meloni wrote.
Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelenkie congratulated Pope Leo XIV on the election and said he wanted “continuous and spiritual support for the Vatican’s moral and spiritual support in Ukrainian efforts to restore justice and achieve lasting peace.”
“Ukraine strongly appreciates the consistent position of sacred Si in supporting international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military attacks on Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians,” he added.
Disarmed and disarmed peace
European Commission President Ursula von der Leien hopes Pope Leo XIV’s “Pontifeetate will be led by wisdom and strength to lead the Catholic community and inspire the world through its commitment to peace and dialogue.”
And Antonio Costa, president of the Council of Europe, said, “In times of division and uncertainty, his spiritual leadership will help inspire unity, compassion and peace.”
When asked how he interpreted the Pope’s message of “armed and disarmed,” Costa admitted that although the message was “moral,” he said, “in this ideal world, there would be no need for weapons because there is no threat.”
“Unfortunately, there are threats in real life. We need to protect ourselves, and what we have learned is that peace without defense is an illusion,” he added.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world “needs the strongest voice for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” adding that the UN looks forward to working together “to advance solidarity, promote reconciliation, and build a fair and sustainable world.”
