HAMILTON, Canada 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as the new pope, who will serve under the name Pope Leo XIV.

"I join Catholics in Canada and around the world in congratulating Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope," Carney said in a statement.

He described the occasion as "a historic moment" for the global Catholic community. "The white smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel signals the beginning of a new papacy – a moment of renewal, hope and unity for more than a billion faithful worldwide."

Carney extended best wishes on behalf of Canadians and underscored the values he hopes will guide the new pontiff.

Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, he said "Canada looks forward to working with His Holiness to build a world guided by solidarity, justice and sustainability."

Carney's statement came after the 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago was elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church, making him the first American to ascend to the papacy.