Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has congratulated Pope Leo XIV on being chosen as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
“I extend my most sincere wishes to Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate,” Meloni wrote on X.
“In a time marked by conflict and unrest, his words from the Loggia delle Benedizioni are a powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility,” she added.
She lauded “a spiritual legacy that follows the path traced by Pope Francis, and that Italy looks at with respect and hope.”
Francis, the 88-year-old former pontiff, died on Easter Monday.
Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, also congratulated “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV” on being elected to head the Catholic Church.
Robert Prevost, formerly a cardinal from Chicago, was elected on Thursday to head the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
He has taken the name Leo XIV.
Merz, who is Catholic, said in a statement that people in Germany look to the new pontificate with confidence and positive expectations.”
“Through your office, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide during these times of great challenges.
“For many people, you are an anchor for justice and reconciliation.”
Also, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, congratulated the new pope on Thursday and said he hoped the new head of the Vatican would continue to support his war-torn country and condemn Russia.
“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate,” Zelensky wrote on X.
“Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians,” the Ukrainian president added.
“At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.”
Zelensky concluded: “I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration and strength-both spiritual and physical-in carrying out his noble mission.”
