European leaders congratulate newly-elected Pope Leo XIV, express hope for peace

ISTANBUL

European leaders congratulated newly-elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday while signaling for hope and peace across the world.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the election a “historic moment” for the Catholic Church, extending a “message of fraternity” on X.

“May this new pontificate be one of peace and hope,” he said.

Newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also congratulated the new pontiff, whom he called “an anchor for justice and reconciliation.”

“May your pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also wrote on X.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Pope Leo as well, calling his election “a deeply profound moment of joy.”

“The Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the major issues of our time; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world,” Starmer noted.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa issued a joint statement expressing “confidence” that the new pontiff will use his voice on the global stage to promote peace, human dignity and unity.

“The European Union stands ready to work closely with the Holy See to confront global challenges and nurture a spirit of solidarity, respect and kindness,” the statement added.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Pope Leo’s “unique role in global diplomacy will be essential to foster dialogue, understanding among nations and cultures, and just and lasting peace” in a post on X.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also extended her congratulations to the newly elected pontiff, highlighting that his words are “a powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility” in a period “marked by conflict and unrest.”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also congratulated Pope Leo in a post on X, saying “your leadership comes at a time when the world faces profound challenges but also great opportunities for unity, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and faiths.”

Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, Illinois, was elected Thursday as the new pope -- the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.

He will take the name of Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time the name Leo has been used by a pope since the 19th century.