"A prayer for peace and optimism"
Celebratory Messages from Europe's Leaders to Pope Leo XIV: Anticipating a Pontificate of Unity and Hope
Europe's political heavyweights have sent their best wishes to the newly elected Pope. These congratulatory messages often incorporate hopes for a period of unity, guidance, and peace.
Germany's Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, extended heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. In Berlin, he acknowledged the Pope's significant spiritual and moral responsibility, particularly during these global crisis-ridden times. He wished the pontiff "strength, love, and wisdom." Steinmeier expressed expectations that the Pope's personal background as a bridge-builder will help navigate global concerns and unite diverse communities.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz sent warm congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. He emphasized the new Pope's role as a guiding light for millions worldwide, offering hope and moral wisdom in challenging times. The German people, particularly Catholics, eagerly anticipate the Pope's pontificate with warmth and engagement.
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Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that every Pope acts as the voice of global Christianity. He hoped that they could all be heard, focusing on the importance of unity and reconciliation during these precarious times.
The Chairman of the Catholic German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, commented that while cardinals sought continuity akin to Pope Francis, they did not desire a replica. Irme Stetter-Karp, President of the Central Committee of German Catholics, described the Pope as a moderate, politically savvy individual with an extensive understanding of the German Catholic Church.
President of the Bundestag Julia Klöckner expressed her faith that Pope Leo XIV would understand the demands of our time and actively contribute to realizing those needs with his world-facing perspective and substantial international experience. She emphasized his Augustinian values, positioning him as a peace mediator within the Church.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed that the Pope's words from the balcony represented a powerful call for peace, brotherhood, and responsibility.
Panorama - Multifaceted, Not Without Criticism: Pope Leo XIV - EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the hope for a wise and strong Pope Leo XIV, leading the Catholic community and inspiring the world through his unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue. A joint statement with EU Council President António Costa reinforced their belief that millions of Europeans find daily motivation in the Church's dedication to peace and human dignity. The EU is prepared to collaborate closely with the Holy See to tackle global challenges.
France's Emmanuel Macron deemed the momentous occasion a significant turning point for the Catholic Church and its believers. He sent a message of brotherhood, expressing his hope that the new pontificate would bring peace and hope.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recognized the historic importance of the event.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his desire for Pope Leo XIV's pontificate to bolster dialogue and human rights defense in a world that desperately needs hope and unity.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda heartily congratulated the new Pope, speaking on behalf of the Polish nation and himself.
Panorama "A Significant Moment" - Trump Celebrates First American Pope - Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda wished Pope Leo XIV to lead the Church with faith, hope, and love.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for continued support from the Vatican. He valued the Holy See's principled stance on upholding international law, condemning Russian aggression, and defending the rights of innocent civilians. In this crucial moment for Ukraine, he sought the Vatican's ongoing moral and spiritual backing as they strive for justice and lasting peace. He prayed for the Pope's wisdom, inspiration, and strength, concluding with the Latin blessing "Ad multos annos!" - meaning "for many years."
Russia's President Vladimir Putin noted his expectation that constructive dialogue and interaction between Russia and the Vatican would continue to evolve based on shared Christian values.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog asked for an immediate and safe return of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip and a new era of peace in our region and the world.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished success to "the first Pope from the United States" in fostering hope and reconciliation among various faiths.
Source: ntv.de, jwu/dpa
- Vatican
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Johann Wadephul
- Friedrich Merz
- Ursula von der Leyen
- Emmanuel Macron
- Andrzej Duda
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Vladimir Putin
- Enrichment Data: Europe's leaders anticipate specific qualities from Pope Leo XIV's leadership, in light of his unique profile and the current global context:
- Wisdom and Courage in Decision-Making: European Union representatives hope for Pope Leo XIV's pontificate to be guided by wisdom and courage as he inspires the Catholic community and the world [3].
- Unifying Figure within the Church: Many Catholics and leaders view Pope Leo XIV, being the first North American pope and known for his moderate and some progressive views, as a potential unifying force who can bring together various factions within the Church without drastically deviating from Pope Francis' path [1].
- Continuity in Environmental Issues: Anticipation exists for Pope Leo XIV to maintain and potentially expand the Vatican's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, upheld and bolstered in recent years by the Holy See [4].
- Champion for Peace, Human Rights, and Interfaith Dialogue: Expectations are high that Pope Leo XIV will act as a moral leader advocating global peace, diplomacy, and the protection of human rights. His leadership is anticipated to foster empathy, inclusivity, and interfaith cooperation in addressing global conflicts and divisions, both within the United States and globally [5].
- Global Moral Authority Beyond the National Context: Though his American background is notable, there is a clear expectation that Pope Leo XIV will transcend politics to embody universal principles of peace, justice, and moral leadership, emblematic of the Vatican's historical role [5].
- Symbol for Hope and Healing in Global Turmoil: European leaders and others look to Pope Leo XIV to become a transformative figure who guides the Catholic Church in playing a vital role in healing divisions and confronting systemic injustices on a global scale, emerging as a beacon of hope and peace [5].
- German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, expressed his expectation that the Pope's background as a bridge-builder will help navigating global concerns and unite diverse communities.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope for a wise and strong Pope Leo XIV, leading the Catholic community and inspiring the world through his unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue, working closely with the Holy See to tackle global challenges.
- The anticipation exists for Pope Leo XIV to be guided by wisdom and courage as he inspires the Catholic community and the world, as European Union representatives hope for his pontificate.
- Leaders view Pope Leo XIV, being the first North American pope and known for his moderate and some progressive views, as a potential unifying force who can bring together various factions within the Church without drastically deviating from Pope Francis' path.
