Church and political leaders respond to Pope Leo XIV’s election

‘Pope Leo XIV will be a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world as he continues the important work of leading the church in the world and providing spiritual and moral guidance to the global community.’

Church and political leaders across the United Kingdom have congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election to the pontificate.

The Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA was elected the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church yesterday evening.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “The King has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election as the 267th Pontiff and Bishop of Rome. His Majesty sent his, and Her Majesty’s, most sincere good wishes for his Pontificate.”

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, called the election of the Pope “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.

“I look forward to meeting the Holy Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church here in the UK and internationally to advance our shared values and the common good.”

The Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, Mark O’Toole, said he was “overjoyed to see the election of Pope Leo” and that “he will make an outstanding contribution to peace and stability in our world”.

“The Catholic Community across south Wales and Herefordshire assure him of our prayer, love and fidelity.”

Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin, writing from an archdiocesan pilgrimage in Lourdes, welcomed the new pope as “a friend of Ireland”.

“At the end of February, I and the other Irish archbishops – Dermot Farrell, Kieran O’Reilly, Francis Duffy – met with him, and he came across as a humble and respectful listener, wanting to learn as much as possible about the Church in Ireland,” he said.

“He is a calm, affable and approachable person. He is a friend of Ireland and no doubt the Augustinian communities at home will be delighted with the news.”

Senior officials of the Church of England have also offered their congratulations to the newly elected pope.

The Archbishop of York – and acting head of the Church of England – Stephen Cottrell, said: “I share in the great joy of our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Bishop of Rome.

“As Anglicans, we give thanks for his call to Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the divisions that continue to exist between churches.

“Our wounded world needs the justice, healing and hope of Jesus Christ, and we look forward to working with Pope Leo XIV and Roman Catholics in every place to share that love with those in need.”

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, sent his “most heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo on his election”.

“In a world beset by division and uncertainty,” he continued, “the timeless truths of the Christian message have never been more relevant, and we will hold Pope Leo in our prayers as he takes on his momentous responsibilities of leadership.”

Christine Allen, director and chief executive of Cafod, said: “Now more than ever, the world needs a strong and steadfast moral voice that can draw attention to the most important issues in our world.

“Pope Leo XIV will be a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world as he continues the important work of leading the church in the world and providing spiritual and moral guidance to the global community.

“He is one of the few people who can bridge political divides and bring world leaders together for the common good.”

Aid to the Church in Need wrote on social media: “We joyfully welcome our new Holy Father, Leo XIV! Let us unite in prayer as he begins his ministry of guiding the Church with faith, hope and love.”

Caritas Europa President Michael Landau congratulated Pope Leo XIV, a former member of the management board of Caritas Peru: “His pastoral and leadership experiences in the Church and with Caritas give us hope that the Church will continue to ensure the voices of people living in poverty will be heard and listened to.”

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Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA from United States is Pope Leo XIV

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