Heartfelt Wishes and Anticipation: European Leaders Hail the New Pope
"Let it be a proclamation for tranquility and optimism"
Get ready for a vocal deluge as heads of state in Europe shower the new Pope with congratulatory messages, pinned with hopes for peace and enlightenment.
Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier kicked things off, expressing his heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. Deeply appreciative of Leo's American-Latin American background, Steinmeier believed it would help him address global worries worldwide.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz followed suit, conveying a very warm congratulation, emphasizing that the Pope would give millions of believers worldwide hope and direction during tough times.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul remarked that every Pope embodies the voice of global Christianity, yearning for a united and reconciled world.
The Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference George Bätzing expressed a desire for a new pontificate that continues from Pope Francis but isn't a replica. Meanwhile, the President of the Central Committee of German Catholics, Irme Stetter-Karp, deemed Leo XIV a moderating, politically astute, globally connected, and well-informed figure about the German Catholic Church.
Germany's President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner, expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV would demonstrate an understanding of contemporary needs with his cosmopolitan perspective and decades of international experience. Klöckner highlighted Leo's membership of the Augustinians, stating that he could serve as a bridge-builder within the Church.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni considered the Pope's words from the loggia an impassioned call for peace, camaraderie, and accountability in these trying times.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wished that Leo XIV's pontificate would be guided by wisdom and strength as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his pursuit of peace and dialogue. EU Council President António Costa, joined von der Leyen, proclaiming that millions of Europeans draw daily inspiration from the Church's dedication to peace and human dignity. The duo expressed their faith that Pope Leo XIV would utilize his platform to advocate for these shared values.
France's President Emmanuel Macron remarked on a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of followers, while the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged a significant moment.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wished for Leo XIV's pontificate to reinforce dialogue and defend human rights in a world yearning for hope and unity.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda congratulated the newly-elected Pope, expressing collective Polish admiration.
Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda envisioned Leo XIV as a spiritual guide filled with faith, hope, and love.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hoped for ongoing moral and spiritual support from the Vatican, as Ukraine relies heavily on their consistent stance in favor of upholding international law, condemning Russian aggression, and protecting innocent civilians.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin anticipated continued dialogue and collaboration between Russia and the Vatican, based on their shared Christian values.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog petitioned for the immediate release of hostages confined in the Gaza Strip, seeking a new era of peace in the region and globally. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished the first American Pope success in promoting hope and reconciliation amongst all faiths.
Sources: ntv.de, jwu/dpa
- Vatican
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Ursula von der Leyen
- Emmanuel Macron
- Andrzej Duda
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Vladimir Putin
- Isaac Herzog
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- In the midst of the congratulatory messages flooding from European leaders, one could not miss the European Union's commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement, aligning it with Pope Leo XIV's tenure.
- As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, social media reactions worldwide indicate expectations of him to bridge divisions and embody a spirit of reconciliation, extending beyond the religious sphere and into the realm of global issues, such as peace and environmental conservation.
- The entertainment industry, too, has expressed support and anticipation for the new Pope, hoping that his words and actions will foster unity and understanding among diverse communities.
- Prior to the new Pope's first address, various heads of state, including the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and France's President Emmanuel Macron, had already congratulated him, emphasizing his unique background and the potential for positive changes that he could bring to the Catholic Church and the world at large.
