Europe Bids Welcome to Pope Leo XIV: "May His Reign Be a Pontificate of Unity and Progress"
"Let it be a proclamation of tranquility and optimism"
European leaders have poured out their warmest congratulations to the new Pope Leo XIV, expressing their hopes for a pontificate centered around harmony, guidance, and shared values.
Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extend his heartfelt congratulations, stating the new Pope's background as a unifier will help him speak for the concerns and aspirations of people worldwide. He wishes Leo XIV "strength, love, and wisdom" for the challenges ahead.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the Pope's election, emphasizing His Holiness' role as a beacon of justice and reconciliation for millions. He wished the Pope great strength, good health, and God's blessings during his tenure.
European leaders have emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in these challenging times. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul believes that Pope Leo XIV, with his poise and extensive international experience, will be a significant voice for unity and dialogue.
The head of Germany's Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, believes the cardinals wanted a continuity with Pope Francis but not a carbon copy. Meanwhile, Irme Stetter-Karp, President of the Central Committee of German Catholics, sees Leo XIV "as a man of the middle, politically savvy, internationally connected, and well-informed about the Catholic Church in Germany."
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed that in a time stricken by conflicts and unrest, the Pope's words from the balcony are a powerful call for peace, brotherhood, and responsibility.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wishes wisdom and strength to guide the Catholic community and inspire the world during Leo XIV's pontificate. In a joint statement with EU Council President António Costa, they assert that millions of Europeans draw daily inspiration from the Church's commitment to peace and human dignity.
France's Emmanuel Macron described this as a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its followers, while the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer considered it a significant one.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed a desire for Leo XIV's pontificate to strengthen dialogue and human rights advocacy amidst the world's needs for hope and unity.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda sent his warmest congratulations to the new Pope on behalf of the Polish nation. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda hopes the Pope leads the Church with faith, hope, and love, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wishes for continued moral and spiritual support in their efforts for justice and peace.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog called for the immediate and safe return of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip, hoping for a new era of peace. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished success for the first American Pope in promoting hope and reconciliation among all religions.
Leaders from various countries have acknowledged the significance of the Pope's election, with US former President Donald Trump rejoicing over the election of the first American Pope. There are no official remarks yet from Russia and other European nations.
As Europe waits expectantly for Pope Leo XIV's leadership, these nations will likely focus on themes such as interfaith dialogue, collaboration over social and environmental issues, and spiritual guidance that embodies unity and harmony.
- The European Union, being committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Paris Agreement, looks forward to Pope Leo XIV's contributions to reconciliation and unity during his reign.
- following the election of Pope Leo XIV, Israel's President Isaac Herzog expressed a call for peace, specifically for the safe return of hostages in the Gaza Strip.
- Pope Leo XIV, with his poise and extensive international experience, is expected to be a significant voice for unity and dialogue, as suggested by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
- The Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV is anticipated to be a period of focus on themes such as interfaith dialogue, collaboration over social and environmental issues, and spiritual guidance, as many European nations prepare for his leadership.
