Pope Leo XIV: First American Pontiff Makes History as Global Leaders Extend Congratulations - Faith & Freedom News

Cardinal Robert Prevost’s historic election as the first U.S.-born pope marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and American Catholics

In a momentous development for the Catholic Church and the United States, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected on May 8, 2025, as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His selection represents a historic milestone as the first American to ascend to the papacy in the Church’s two-thousand-year history.

A Chicago Native with Global Experience

The 69-year-old Chicago native brings extensive international experience to the papacy. Before his election, Leo spent much of his career as a missionary in South America, particularly in Peru, where he holds dual citizenship. His global perspective was further enhanced by his most recent role leading the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican office responsible for bishop appointments worldwide.

As white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney—the traditional signal announcing a successful papal election—tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in jubilation. Shortly afterward, Leo made his first appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he delivered his inaugural address.

In his first remarks as pontiff, Leo called for peace in a world troubled by conflict and paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April. His message emphasized unity, reconciliation, and the Church’s responsibility toward the marginalized and vulnerable communities around the world.

Continuing Papal Reforms

Vatican observers note that Leo is expected to build upon Pope Francis’ progressive reforms while bringing his own unique perspective to the papacy. His extensive experience in South America aligns with Francis’ emphasis on the Church’s mission to serve those on the peripheries of society.

“Pope Leo XIV represents both continuity and fresh energy for the Catholic Church,” said Dr. Maria Hernandez, professor of Catholic theology at Georgetown University. “His background bridges North and South America while his administrative experience in the Vatican gives him insight into the Church’s global operations.”

World Leaders React with Enthusiasm

The historic election prompted an outpouring of congratulatory messages from world leaders across the globe, many highlighting the significance of the first American pope and expressing hope for collaboration on pressing global issues.

United States

President Donald Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social, writing: “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!”

Vice President J.D. Vance, himself Catholic, posted on X: “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!”

Former President Joe Biden, a lifelong Catholic, extended his congratulations, saying: “May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.” Former President Barack Obama noted the Chicago connection, posting that he and former First Lady Michelle Obama sent their congratulations “to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”

Former President George W. Bush called the election a “historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world,” while former President Bill Clinton emphasized Leo’s message of unity, stating: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke to billions—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—calling for unity and offering peace, a message the world needs now more than ever.”

European Leaders

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Leo’s election as “a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally” and called the selection of the first U.S.-born Pope “momentous.”

“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; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world,” Starmer added in his statement.

French President Emmanuel Macron called May 8 “a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful” and extended “a message of fraternity” to the new pontiff.

European Council President António Costa welcomed the election as “a moment of hope for millions around the world,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wished that Leo’s pontificate “be guided by wisdom and strength.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed that Leo “gives hope and guidance to believers worldwide and is an anchor for justice and reconciliation.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Leo’s “powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility” in his first address.

Latin American Response

The response from Latin America was particularly warm, reflecting Leo’s deep connections to the region. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed hope that Leo would continue “the legacy of Pope Francis, whose main virtues were the incessant search for peace and social justice, the defense of the environment, dialogue with all people and all religions, and respect for the diversity of human beings.”

Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra celebrated Leo’s connection to Peru, noting, “His Holiness lived and served for years in our country, where he shared the life of the people with humility, love, and profound faith.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed “our humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that Leo would “become a great leader for migrants around the world.”

Global Perspectives

Leaders from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East also extended their congratulations. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the election “a profound moment for the Catholic Church as well as the global community” and praised Leo’s early emphasis on peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for “the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace” amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., representing one of the world’s largest Catholic populations, prayed that Leo would “continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged.”

Even leaders from predominantly non-Catholic nations offered their congratulations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished “the first Pope from the United States success in fostering hope and reconciliation among all faiths,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed certainty that “constructive dialogue and interaction” between Russia and the Vatican would continue.

A New Chapter in Catholic History

The election of Leo XIV opens a new chapter in Catholic history, with the leadership of the 1.3 billion-member Church passing to an American for the first time. Catholic historians note that this represents a significant shift in the Church’s center of gravity.

“For centuries, the papacy was dominated by Europeans, particularly Italians,” explained Father Thomas Rodriguez, a Church historian at Boston College. “Pope Leo XIV’s election acknowledges the importance of the Americas in the global Catholic community and potentially signals new priorities for the Church’s mission in the 21st century.”

As Leo begins his pontificate, Catholics worldwide and observers of all faiths will be watching to see how the first American pope addresses the Church’s challenges, from ongoing clergy abuse scandals to declining religious participation in Western nations to the Church’s role in addressing climate change, poverty, and armed conflicts.

The date of Leo’s formal installation Mass, when he will officially receive the papal pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring, is expected to be announced in the coming days. This ceremony will likely draw world leaders and representatives from various faith traditions to the Vatican, underlining the global significance of the papacy beyond its religious dimensions.

For now, the Catholic world celebrates this historic moment while contemplating what it means for the future direction of one of the world’s oldest and most influential institutions.