How World Leaders Congratulated The New Pope

In a surprise choice, Cardinal Robert Prevost, who assumed the name Leo XIV and became the first U.S. pontiff, was elected Thursday as the next boss of the Catholic Church. The following is the reaction from important personalities:

"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. 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 still held in Gaza, and a new era of peace in our region and around the world," said Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

"We congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election as the head of the Catholic Church and look forward to his continuation of the late Pope's path in supporting the oppressed and rejecting the genocide in Gaza,” said Hamas.

"What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" said Donald Trump

“The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world. Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment. 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; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world, " said Keir Starmer.

"Italians will look to you as a guide and point of reference, recognizing in the Pope and the Church that spiritual and moral authority that derives from its inexhaustible message of love, charity and hope, which flows from the Word of God," she said in a letter to the Pope,” said Georgia Meloni, Italy PM.

"Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. Your leadership comes at a time when the world faces profound challenges but also great opportunities for unity, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and faiths," said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

"Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation 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," Vladimir Putin.

"A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a fraternal message,” said French President Emmanuel Macron.