Cardinal Leo, first American Pope
Trump, Obama, Putin, Zelensky, Netanyahu express joy over new Pope Leo
Eminent world leaders have expressed joy over the election of Pope Leo, first American to occupy the position as President Donald Trump said it is a great honor after a surprise appearance outside the White House Thursday afternoon.
“It’s such a great honor for our country to have an American pope, and what greater honor could there be?” he said. “We’re a little bit surprised but very happy.”
Former President Barack Obama shared his praise for Pope Leo in a tweet Thursday.
“Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. 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,” he said.
Trump added that he plans to meet with Pope Leo XIV, saying, “They have already spoken to us. We’ll see what happens.”
“But again, to have the pope from the United States of America — that’s a great honor,” he said.
Indeed, amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media, “Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate.”
“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,” Zelenskyy said. “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. I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength — both spiritual and physical — in carrying out his noble mission.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to Pope Leo, “Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am confident that the constructive dialog and interaction established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us. I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, saying he sends the new Pope his “warmest wishes from the Holy City of Jerusalem,” in a post on X.
“We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world,” Herzog said.
Herzog added: “May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples. May we see the immediate and safe return of the hostages in Gaza, and a new era of peace in our region and around the world.”