Congratulatory messages for Pope Leo XIV are pouring in from Canadian and world leaders.
The first American pope stepped onto the world stage on Thursday on the second day of the papal conclave to succeed Pope Francis.
Here’s what politicians are saying about his election.
Canadian leaders react
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Pope Leo XIV and offered his “prayers and best wishes” following the pontiff’s election.
“At a time of global challenges, may his pontificate carry forward a mission of solidarity, compassion, and dignity for all,” .
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took to social media Thursday afternoon to congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election.
鈥淭he Catholic Church is the spiritual home of millions of Canadians,鈥 Poilievre said in a . 鈥淚t also works within and beyond its walls to advance the common good, carrying on Christ鈥檚 ministry to help the poor, the vulnerable and all who suffer,” the post said.
鈥淭his is an appropriate day to also recognize the role the Catholic community has played in shaping our shared Canadian experience.鈥
Poilievre added he is 鈥渉opeful鈥 that the pope鈥檚 tenure will be 鈥減articularly meaningful for Canadian Catholics.鈥
World leaders respond
U.S. president Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a .
Trump said it’s “an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.”
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” Trump said, adding he expects meeting the pope to be a “meaningful moment.”
, the president of Ukraine, said the country “deeply values the Holy See鈥檚 consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation鈥檚 military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians.”
Zelenskyy added Ukraine hopes for “the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine鈥檚 efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.
“I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength 鈥 both spiritual and physical 鈥 in carrying out his noble mission.”
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer called Pope Leo XIV’s election a “deeply profound moment of joy” in a .
“As Pope Francis’ papacy showed, the Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the major issues of our time,” Starmer said, pointing to climate change, poverty and world peace and justice.聽
Starmer added he looks forward to working with the pope to “advance our shared values and the common good.”
The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and around the world.
鈥 Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer)
I look forward to meeting the Holy Father soon.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated the pope as a “fellow Chicagoan.”聽
“This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” Obama said in a .
