TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - European leaders congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his recent election on Thursday, expressing hopes for peace and unity across the world.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the election as a historic moment for the Catholic Church and conveyed a "message of fraternity" through social media, as reported by Anadolu.
"May this new pontificate be one of peace and hope," he said.
The newly appointed Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, also congratulated the new Pope, referring to him as "an anchor for justice and reconciliation."
“May your pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity,” wrote Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in a post on X.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, calling his election a profound moment of joy.
“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,” Starmer said.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa issued a joint statement expressing "confidence" that the new Pope will use his voice on the world stage to uphold peace, human dignity, and unity.
“The European Union stands ready to work closely with the Holy See to confront global challenges and nurture a spirit of solidarity, respect and kindness,” the statement continued.
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, in a post on the X platform, mentioned the unique role of Pope Leo XIV in global diplomacy as key in fostering dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, and creating a fair and sustainable peace.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated the new Pope, emphasizing that the Pope's messages are “a powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility” amidst a world marked by conflict and unrest.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also extended his congratulations through a post on X, stating that the new Pope's leadership comes at a time when "profound challenges but also great opportunities for unity, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and faiths."
Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, Illinois, was elected on Thursday as the new Pope-the first American to ascend to the Holy See.
He is using the name Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time the name Leo has been used by a Pope since the 19th century.
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