Anthony Albanese has joined world leaders in reacting to the selection of Pope Leo XIV

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated Pope Leo XIV while extending a formal invitation for the new pontiff to visit Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn have joined world leaders in congratulating the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.

In a statement to this masthead, the Governor-General said: “On behalf of all Australians, I have written to congratulate His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Holy Roman Pontiff.

“In his first address as pontiff, Pope Leo remembered his predecessor, Pope Francis, and sent a message of peace built on dialogue, encounter and love. His words offer the world a path to peace and unity.

“Australia’s diplomatic relationship with the Holy See has endured for over 50 years, in a shared endeavour to build peace, elevate human rights and pursue climate action. I welcome the pontificate of Pope Leo as an occasion to deepen and enrich our cooperation on important global issues.

“I join with all Australians in wishing His Holiness every success.”

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Picture: AFP

Mr Albanese hailed Pope Leo’s appointment as a historic moment for the Catholic Church.

In a statement released shortly after the announcement from the Vatican, Mr Albanese praised Pope Leo XIV — the first American pontiff — for his message of inclusivity and peace.

“Australia will invite His Holiness Pope Leo to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress being proudly hosted in 2028,” Mr Albanese said.

“My government looks forward to continuing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

“This is a moment which will bring joy and hope to Catholics everywhere.

“May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity.”

The new Pope has been a vocal critic of US President Donald Trump and his immigration policies, placing America’s two most powerful men on an ideological collision course.

Despite Pope Leo XIV’s previous criticism of the president and his deputy JD Vance, Mr Trump said he was excited to meet America’s first Pope, congratulating him on his appointment.

“It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope,” the president said after the new pontiff was announced.

“What excitement, and what a great honour for our country.

In a statement released shortly after the announcement from the Vatican, Mr Albanese praised Pope Leo XIV — the first American pontiff — for his message of inclusivity and peace. Picture: AFP

“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

Any meeting between the two men could be tense given Pope’s previous repeated condemnation of Mr Trump and his administration’s policies.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV upon his election, has an active account on social media platform X and in February he hit out at US vice-president JD Vance’s attempts to justify deporting immigrants to Latin America.

“JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others”, he wrote on February 3.

Last month he also shared a post on X referring to the deportation of an undocumented migrant to El Salvador. Part of the post said: “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”

The Pope’s social media account remains active. He had 161,000 followers before being elected which swelled by an extra 100,000 within a few hours of the white smoke rising from the Vatican.

Mr Trump’s well wishes were echoed by leaders around the world including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.

Pope Leo was born and raised in Chicago but later served as a bishop in Peru where he has lived for 20 years and was granted citizenship in 2015.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte said he had left “an indelible mark on the heart of Peru”.

“The Peruvian people, nation of faith and hope, unite in prayer for their pontificate and celebrates with gratitude that a pastor who loved Peru now leads the universal Church,” she said.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV waves to faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square shortly after his election. Picture: Vatican Media

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the election as a “profound moment of joy for Catholics”, while French President Emmanuel Macron said he hoped the pontificate would be “one of peace and hope”.

“In a time marked by conflict and unrest, his words … are a powerful call to peace, brotherhood and responsibility,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

Warring leaders from Ukraine and Russia also welcomed the announcement.

Former US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle sent their congratulations to their “fellow Chicagoan”.

“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,” Mr Obama said.

Former US Presidents Joe Biden and George Bush also sent their well wishes.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese has joined world leaders in reacting to the selection of Pope Leo XIV