The newly elected pope of the Catholic church, Pope Leo XIV was announced on Thursday, following the tell-tale white smoke pouring out of the Vatican’s chimney. Ever since, world leaders have been offering their congratulatory remarks, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In a post on X, Mitsotakis highlighted that the new pope is undertaking the helm at a particularly critical time.
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.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) May 8, 2025
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also chimed in, congratulating His Holiness and wishing him wisdom and strength.
We sincerely congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Pope and head of the Catholic Church.
We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue ↓
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 8, 2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also posted on X, in German.
Eure Heiligkeit Papst Leo XIV.,
zu Ihrer Wahl als Oberhaupt der Katholischen Kirche gratuliere ich Ihnen sehr herzlich. Sie geben Gläubigen weltweit Hoffnung und Orientierung und sind Anker für Gerechtigkeit und Versöhnung.
Ich wünsche Ihnen Kraft, Gesundheit und Gottes Segen. pic.twitter.com/jnEsE8jdJB
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 8, 2025
