Congratulatory messages for Pope Leo XIV are pouring in from leaders in Canada and around the world.
The first American pope stepped onto the world stage Thursday on the second day of the papal conclave to succeed Pope Francis.
Here’s what politicians are saying about his election.
Canadian leaders react
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Pope Leo XIV and offered his “prayers and best wishes” following the pontiff’s election.
“At a time of global challenges, may his pontificate carry forward a mission of solidarity, compassion, and dignity for all,” .
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took to social media Thursday afternoon to congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election.
“The Catholic Church is the spiritual home of millions of Canadians,” Poilievre said in a . “It also works within and beyond its walls to advance the common good, carrying on Christ’s ministry to help the poor, the vulnerable and all who suffer,” the post said.
“This is an appropriate day to also recognize the role the Catholic community has played in shaping our shared Canadian experience.”
Poilievre added he is “hopeful” that the pope’s tenure will be “particularly meaningful for Canadian Catholics.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the pope’s election a “momentous occasion” for Catholics in the province and around the world.
“May he continue a legacy of service and humility that inspires generations to come,”
Mayor Olivia Chow said she was joining Catholics in pc28and around the globe as they welcomed and congratulated Pope Leo XIV.
“May his election be a time of celebration, prayer and commitment to continuing to build a better world,” .
Steven Del Duca, the mayor of Vaughan and former leader of Ontario’s Liberal party, said he joined in the celebration surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s election.
“I want to congratulate His Holiness on becoming the first American Pope, and for being chosen to lead the world in becoming a more welcoming and tolerant place for all,” Del Duca .
World leaders respond
U.S. president Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a .
Trump said it’s “an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.”
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” Trump said, adding he expects meeting the pope to be a “meaningful moment.”
, the president of Ukraine, said the country “deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians.”
Zelenskyy added Ukraine hopes for “the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.
“I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength — both spiritual and physical — in carrying out his noble mission.”
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer called Pope Leo XIV’s election a “deeply profound moment of joy” in a .
“As Pope Francis’ papacy showed, the Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the major issues of our time,” Starmer said, pointing to climate change, poverty and world peace and justice.
Starmer added he looks forward to working with the pope to “advance our shared values and the common good.”
The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and around the world.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer)
I look forward to meeting the Holy Father soon.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her congratulations to Pope Leo XIV as he continues the spiritual legacy she says “Italy regards with respect and hope.”
“In a time marked by conflicts and unrest, his words from the Loggia of Blessings are a powerful call for peace, fraternity, and responsibility,” she wrote .
Former U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated the pope as a “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,” Obama said in a .
In a message posted to X, former U.S. president Joe Biden congratulated the pope on behalf of himself and wife Jill Biden.
“Habemus papam,” , a phrase meaning “We have a pope” in Latin.“May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent the pope a “message of greetings,” which was .
“Your Holiness, I wish you success in carrying out the important mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being,” the message reads. “I am certain that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican previously will continue to develop, drawing on the Christian values that unite us.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent the pope his “warmest wishes from the Holy City of Jerusalem” .
In the congratulatory message, Herzog said he hoped for a new era of peace in the region and around the world.
“May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples,” he wrote. “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.”
Mahmoud Abbas, president of the state of Palestine, congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election .
, French President Emmanuel Macron extended “a message of fraternity.”
“May this new pontificate be one of peace and hope,” he wrote.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin offered his “warm congratulations” to the pope .
“I hope that this ground swell of best wishes towards Pope Leo XIV will give him strength and support as he takes on the immense responsibility of his pontificate.”
Pedro Sánchez, the president of Spain, to the entire Catholic Church, adding “may your pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity.”
