(RNS) – Religious and political leaders around the world are commenting on the election of American Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th pope. He will take the name of Pope Leo XIV.
Here’s what they said:
U.S. President Donald 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. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Former U.S. President Joe Biden
“Habemus papam – May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance
“Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ president
“In communion with Catholics around the world, the bishops of the United States offer prayers of thanksgiving for the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. … Certainly, we rejoice that a son of this Nation has been chosen by the cardinals, but we recognize that he now belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will. His words advocating peace, unity, and missionary activity already indicate a path forward.”
The Rev. James Martin, Jesuit priest and America Magazine editor
“I know Pope Leo XIV to be a kind, open, humble, modest, decisive, hard-working, straightforward, trustworthy, and down-to-earth man. A brilliant choice. May God bless him.”
Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress
“The World Jewish Congress (WJC) congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his election as the next leader of the Catholic Chu …