Pope Leo XIV emerges, as world leaders hail first American Pontiff in Catholic Church history

World leaders have extended their congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, following his historic election as the first American pontiff in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.

The announcement of Pope Leo’s election came as white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel early yesterday, confirming the successful outcome of the papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 last month.

Pope Leo XIV, delivered his first address as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, emphasizing peace, dialogue, and building bridges.

In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with, “Peace be with you all,” also emphasizing God’s love for everyone and the triumph of good over evil.

This marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church under the leadership of its first American Pope.

He said, “To all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth, peace be with you… Help us, and each other, to build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, to come together as one people, always in peace.

That followed an outpour of congratulations that commenced with the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who welcomed the new pope’s election, highlighting the UAE’s ongoing commitment to interfaith harmony.

His words: “We in the UAE deeply appreciate the Vatican’s role in promoting dialogue and peace among nations and faiths, and we look forward to working together with His Holiness to advance a global message of coexistence, tolerance and shared humanity,” he wrote on X.

Nigerian leader, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Roman Catholic Church on the emergence of Pope Leo XIV as the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the church.

In a statement on Thursday, presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu also prayed for the successful tenure of the new Pope.

He wrote thus: “The President felicitates the Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

”President Tinubu rejoices with the leadership of and congregants of the Catholic Church in Nigeria on the historic election of the new Pontiff, whose message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world.”

Tinubu also noted that Nigeria and the Holy See have shared values over many years, citing the rewarding partnership with the Catholic Church in peace building, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology.

He expressed confidence that the election of Pope Leo XIV would open a new chapter in the church’s history, projecting values of love, humanity, and charity.

The president prayed that God would grant Pope Leo XIV good health, wisdom, and guidance, to enable him to spread the message of peace and love globally.

“The Almighty God will continuously shed his light of glory over the new leader of the Catholic Church and grant him good health and wisdom so that he can reach the world with the message of peace and love, ” he added.

In the United States, President Donald Trump who posted on his Truth Social platform praised the new pontiff, calling his election, “A great honor for our country.”, President Trump added, “It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope… I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

Pope Leo XIV predecessor, Pope Francis, had a tumultuous relationship with the U.S. President, often finding themselves at odds over issues like migration policies. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday.

In Europe, newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a statement: “Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also sent a message of goodwill: “We pray to God to grant him health, wellness and wisdom to lead the Church in this important phase of its history… and to promote dialogue between different religions and cultures.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for greater interfaith collaboration:, saying, “We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians… May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples.”

From Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Vatican for its support, expressing hope for continued moral and spiritual backing amid the country’s ongoing war with Russia. “At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace,” he wrote on X.