The World Reacts to the New American Pope Leo XIV
Responses to the Appointment of the New Pontiff - Responses to the Freshly Elected Pontiff
The Catholic Church has a new leader, and the world is buzzing with reactions! Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from the States, takes on the mantle of Pope Leo XIV, elected within a whirlwind 24 hours at the Sistine Chapel. Here's a rundown of the worldwide reactions to this groundbreaking selection.
United States Reactions
Donald Trump, the US President, couldn't contain his pride, "Yowzah! It's an effin' honor to realize he's the first American fucking Pope!"
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance expressed hope for Leo XIV's leadership, "Millions of American Catholics and other Christians will be praying hard for this dude to navigate the Church through stormy seas."
Germany's Take
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier invoked St. Augustine's wisdom, "Love and do what you will," as he believed it would guide Leo XIV as he tackles the challenges ahead. Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced support, saying that the new Pope offers hope and guidance for global Christians.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the importance of the Pope's voice, hoping for unity and reconciliation in the rapidly changing world.
International Responses
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism about the ongoing dialogue between Russia and the Vatican. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looked for the Vatican's continued support in their quest for justice and peace.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saw Leo XIV's leadership as a beacon in tumultuous times, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wished for a pontificate guided by wisdom and strength.
Israeli President Izchak Herzog called for the immediate release of hostages in Gaza and peace in the Middle East, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope for reconciliation among all faiths.
The Spanish Royal House and Polish President Andrzej Duda offered warm congratulations, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the significance of America's first Pope.
Latin American Perspective
The Argentine Presidential Office beautifully heralded Leo XIV as a "guiding light, a beacon, and a living testimony of faith, reason, and charity" during a time of global tumult.
The chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, commented that cardinals aimed to maintain a continuum with their predecessor, Pope Francis, while avoiding creating a carbon copy.
Irme Stetter-Karp, president of the Central Committee of German Catholics, praised the election of a "man of the center, politically savvy, internationally connected, and well-informed about the Catholic Church in Germany."
So there you have it—a maelstrom of global responses to America's first Pope Leo XIV! It's an exciting era for the Catholic Church and the world at large.
The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the lack of progress in the fight against racism and xenophobia in the European Union. The newly-elected Pope Leo XIV, being the first American Pope, may find these issues particularly relevant given the diverse religious and cultural landscape of his home country.
As a thinker, Pope Leo XIV may draw inspiration from wise predecessors like St. Augustine, whose wisdom Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany alluded to in his response to the election.
Political leaders worldwide have offered congratulations to the new Pope, including Polish President Andrzej Duda and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. It is especially significant that a Pope from the United States has received warm welcome and encouragement from leaders across the globe.
Given the multitude of concerns on the international stage, many might hope that Pope Leo XIV's wisdom and guidance will transcend general-news topics and focus on uniting the world in love and understanding, as the Pontiff navigates the ever-changing political landscape.
