Europe's Cheers for the New Papal Pick: "May it Bring a Splash of Peace and a Dash of Hope"
"Let it be a pronouncement of tranquility and optimism"
Whew, Europe's leaders are excited about the new pope, Pope Leo XIV. Guess who's sharing the love? Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, chipping in with a heartfelt shout-out on behalf of the nation. In a world riddled with strife and global challenges, Steinmeier sees the new pope as a heavyweight in the spiritual and moral community, wishing him strength, love, and smarts. He's also hopeful that Pope Leo's background as a bridge builder between the U.S. and Latin America will help him address worldwide concerns and hopes.
Next up, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stepped forward with a warm welcome, in his eyes, Pope Leo XIV brings hope and guidance to millions while acting as an anchor of fairness and unification. He prays for the new pope's strength, health, and divine blessings to ride through the obstacles ahead.
Johann Wadephul, Germany's Foreign Minister, believes every pope preaches the Word of global Christianity, so he hopes Leo XIV's reign will stir a craving for unity and reconciliation.
Over at the German Bishops' Conference, Chairman Georg Bätzing thinks the cardinals went for a continuum from Pope Francis but swore off any copies. Irme Stetter-Karp, leading the Central Committee of German Catholics, sees the pope as a middle-grounder, politically savvy, well-informed, and just the dude for the Catholic Church in Deutschland.
Julia Klöckner, President of the Bundestag, feels confident Pope Leo XIV brings a deep understanding of the modern world and will act as a bridge builder within the Church.
Crossing over to Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proclaimed, "In a crazy world where people are tearing each other apart, his words from the loggia of St. Peter's are a powerful call for peace, camaraderie, and responsibility."
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope that Leo XIV's pontificate will be guided by sagacity and fortitude, inspiring the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue.
France's Emmanuel Macron recognized a significant moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of believers, wishing the new pope peace and hope in his pontificate.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer admired a significant moment that had just happened.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hoped the pope's pontificate would beef up talks and safeguard human rights.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda couldn't help but heap on the well-wishes, hoping for Pope Leo to lead the Church with faith, hope, and love.
Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda sent a warm message, hoping for a pope who would lead the Church with faith, hope, and love.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the Vatican could offer continuous spiritual and moral support in their battle for justice and peace.
Meanwhile, Russia's President Vladimir Putin wrote a love letter to the Vatican, expressing a excitement about further diplomacy based on shared Christian values.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog asked for the quick return of hostages within Gaza, hoping for a new era of peace in the region. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his admiration for the first pope to hail from the U.S. and wished him success in fostering unity among 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
- Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in an email, congratulated Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope that his spiritual and moral leadership would contribute to global politics.
- After the election of Pope Leo XIV, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, along with many other European leaders, emphasized the new pope's role in promoting togetherness and unity in the face of global challenges.
- The European Union, like many other nations, is committed to Pope Leo XIV's leadership, viewing his pontificate as a beacon of hope and peace in the midst of general news marked by strife.
- In a joint statement, the Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and the Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, emphasized their shared belief that Pope Leo XIV's reign would inspire a craving for unity and reconciliation—key values of the Paris Agreement, another initiative aimed at unity and cooperation.
