'Great honor': Leaders welcome Leo, first US pope

'Great honor': Leaders welcome Leo, first US pope

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV was greeted by world leader

World leaders welcomed the election on Thursday of Robert Francis Prevost as the next leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV, is the first pope from the United States.

Here are key reactions:

- 'A Great Honor': Trump -

"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country," said US President Donald Trump. "I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

- Become 'leader for migrants': Colombia -

"I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It's time for them to organize," said Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

- Stronger Vatican ties: Israel -

"We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world. May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples," said Israeli President Isaac Herzog. 

- 'Christian values unite us': Putin -

"I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us," said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

- 'Hope and guidance': Germany -

"Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times," said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

- Strengthen 'human rights': Spain -

"May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity," said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

- Reinforce 'unique bonds': Poland -

"Please accept the assurance of the readiness of the Republic of Poland to further strengthen these unique bonds -- in the name of shared values, responsibility for the common good and the strengthening of peace in the world," said Polish President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic.

- 'Commitment to peace': EU -

"We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue," said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

- 'Historic moment': France -

French President Emmanuel Macron said: "To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity."

- 'World peace and prosperity': Mexico -

Leader of the world's second-largest Catholic population, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Pope Leo's values "in favor of world peace and prosperity".

- Call to 'responsibility': Italy -

"In a time marked by conflict and unrest, his words from the Loggia of Benedictions are a powerful call to peace, brotherhood and responsibility," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said. 

- Hope for 'moral' support: Zelensky -

"At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

- 'A new chapter': Starmer -

"The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

- 'Honours Francis's legacy': South Africa -

"Pope Leo XIV's early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis," said South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa.

- 'Build a just world': UN -

"I look forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See... to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all," said UN chief Antonio Guterres.

- 'Setting an example': Obama -

"This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith," former US president Barack Obama said, congratulating the "fellow Chicagoan". 

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Originally published as 'Great honor': Leaders welcome Leo, first US pope