Politics and Church Congratulate Leo XIV on His Election as Pope

Reactions from Austria

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen:

"His first words to the faithful at St. Peter's Square, 'Peace be with you all,' were a beautiful sign. (...) The Pope is a significant global voice. Because it encourages building bridges instead of creating divides. It calls for putting what unites us before what separates us. And it reminds us that humanity, dialogue, and the ability to compromise are not only religious values but above all human ones."

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP):

"I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his responsible office and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate. (...) The challenges of our time are great. All the more important is a strong voice for tolerance and peace in the world. May he be an inspiration and hope to many people through his work."

Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ):

"With the important message of peace and dialogue, Pope Leo XIV steps into big shoes." Pope Francis had greatly impressed him with his commitment to humanity. He is pleased that the new Pope also emphasizes "building bridges in times of war and crisis," Babler said on X.

Minister for Europe Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP):

"A significant moment for the world church: I wish Pope Leo XIV God's blessing & much strength for his responsible task. May he be an anchor in his work for a forward-looking church, a strong faith community & the togetherness of Christians & religions."

Franz Lackner, Archbishop of Salzburg, Chairman of the Austrian Bishops' Conference:

"The church in Salzburg, in Austria, and around the world rejoices over our new Holy Father. (...) He wants to build bridges with Christ to all in this often so fragmented world. Let us pray together for our new Holy Father Leo XIV and ask for all the blessings of heaven for his office and service!"

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, former Archbishop of Vienna:

"I have great joy, I had my heart set on him."

Metropolitan Arsenios, Chairman of the Orthodox Bishops' Conference in Austria:

"I wish that this new phase in the life of the Roman Catholic Church will be a time of spiritual fruitfulness, to promote the unity of the churches, to deepen the dialogue in truth and love, to defend human rights, to strengthen justice, and to enhance peace in our troubled world."

Evangelical Bishop Michael Chalupka:

"We rejoice with our Catholic siblings and congratulate on the swift unity. (...) We hope for new momentum in ecumenism and wish the new Pope God's blessing."

International Reactions

US President Donald Trump:

"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been appointed Pope. It is a great honor to know that he is the first American Pope. What excitement and what a great honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very significant moment!"

US Vice President JD Vance:

"I am sure that millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work at the head of the Church."

Russia's President Vladimir Putin:

"I am confident that the constructive dialogue and interaction between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us."

France's President Emmanuel Macron:

"A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of believers. To Pope Leo XIV and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a fraternal message. May this new pontificate bring peace and hope on this May 8th."

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa:

"We are confident that Pope Leo XIV will use his voice on the global stage to promote our shared values and support unity in the pursuit of a fairer and more compassionate world.

(...) We wish that his pontificate may be guided by wisdom and strength as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue."

Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier:

"Dilige et quod vis fac. Love and do what you will. May this Augustinian wisdom give you the inner strength and faith power to lead the Church into the future like Leo the Great as a theological thinker and skilled diplomat, and to find an answer to the social questions of modernity like Leo XIII."

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz:

"Through your office, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide in these times of great challenges."

Spain's Royal House with King Felipe VI at the helm:

"His call for peace inspires and encourages us and reflects the deepest wishes and feelings of the Spanish people."

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez:

"May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

"Ukraine greatly appreciates the consistent stance of the Holy See in upholding international law, condemning the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians. We look forward to the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican for Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and achieve lasting peace."

Israel's President Yitzhak (Isaac) Herzog:

"May we witness the immediate and safe return of the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip - and a new era of peace in our region and throughout the world."

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

"I wish the first Pope from the United States much success in promoting hope and reconciliation among all faiths."

(APA/Red)

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