Trump calls 1st American Pope a 'great honour' as world leaders welcome Leo XIV
Leaders in the U.S., Europe and South America pass on congratulations to new Pope
Current and former world leaders were quick to congratulate Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, after his fellow cardinals chose him to succeed the late Pope Francis.
"What excitement, and what a great honour for our country," U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on social media, referencing the fact that the newly elected Pope was born in the United States.
All four of the U.S.'s living past presidents offered congratulations to the 69-year-old, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, now known as Leo XIV — himself the first-ever, U.S.-born pope.
Former U.S. president George W. Bush offered prayers for the new Pope's success "as he prepares to lead the Catholic Church, serve the neediest, and share God's love."
Barack Obama also congratulated the new Pope — "a fellow Chicagoan," the former U.S. president noted — and said he'd pray for Leo XIV "as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith."
Former U.S. president Joe Biden also wished the new Pope success and highlighted his U.S. Midwest roots, saying "May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois."
Bill Clinton, who served two terms as U.S. president from 1993 to 2001, said he joined "in wishing His Holiness many blessings."
A White Sox fan?
In Chicago, a city home to two Major League Baseball teams, discussion was taking place as to whether the new Pope was a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan. But his brother John Prevost told a local TV station that "he was always a Sox fan."
Lawrence Sullivan, the vicar general for the Archdiocese of Chicago, its 1.9 million Catholics and 216 parishes, said Pope Leo XIV is a very prayerful and spiritual man.
"It's a day of great excitement for Chicago, for the United States to have one of our own be elected as the Pope," he said.
On this side of the border, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he joined Catholics in Canada and around the world in congratulating the new Pope.
"Canadians offer best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as he begins his papacy. At a time of profound global challenges, may his pontificate be marked by wisdom, discernment, a deep commitment to common good, and dignity of all," Carney said.
Strong ties to Peru
In South America, Colombian President Gustavo Petro pointed to the time the new Pope had spent outside of the country of his birth and the ties he had built beyond the U.S.
"The new Pope, Leo XIV, is more than just an American. His immediate ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived 40 years in our Latin America, in Peru," Petro said in a statement. Prevost became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, so he has dual nationalities.
"I hope he becomes a great leader for migrants around the world, and I hope that he lifts up our Latino migrant brothers and sisters who are currently being humiliated by the U.S. It's time for them to organize."
"May he help us build the great force of humanity that defends life, and defeat the greed that has caused the climate crisis and the extinction of living things."
In Peru's capital, Lima, the bells of the cathedral rang after Leo XIV was announced as Pope Francis's successor. People outside the church quickly expressed their desire for a papal visit.
"For us Peruvians, it is a source of pride that this is a pope who represents our country," said elementary school teacher Isabel Panez, who was near the cathedral when the news was announced.
The appointment was likewise welcomed by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.
"His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of Peru," her office said in a post on X.
'Habemus Papam!'
The news of Leo XIV's ascension to the papacy also drew well-wishes from European leaders.
"Habemus Papam! I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on taking this office that carries such great responsibilities and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate," said Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the election of the new Pope, which he said marked "a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful."
In Ireland, where more than two-thirds of the population identified as Catholic in the most-recent census, Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the new Pope "had the best wishes of of all Irish people, of all traditions."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlined the meaning of the moment for the members of the Catholic Church and expressed optimism for what the new Pope could achieve, as shown by the record of his predecessor.
"The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world," he said.
"As Pope Francis's 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," Starmer said.
Pope Francis died on April 21, at the age of 88. His passing set in motion the events that led to a conclave, which saw Pope Leo XIV chosen to lead the church.
The last pope to take the name Leo was Leo XIII, an Italian who led the church from 1878 to 1903.
With files from The Associated Press and CBC News