World leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV – Trump: "What an honour"

First congratulations for the new Pope Leo XIV from the world of politics: his fellow countryman, US President Donald Trump, has expressed his delight at the first election of an American to the leadership of the Catholic Church. "What a joy and what a great honour for our country," Trump wrote on his social media channel Truth Social on Thursday evening. He said he was looking forward to meeting the new Pope. "It will be a very meaningful moment," said Trump.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Platform X: "We hope that his pontificate will be guided by wisdom and strength, encouraging the Catholic community through his commitment to peace and dialogue."

"An anchor for justice and reconciliation"

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wished the new Pope that he would make the concerns and hopes of people from all over the world heard. In an initial reaction to the election of the Pope on Thursday evening in Berlin, the Federal President said that Leo XIV was taking on a significant spiritual and moral responsibility in a time characterised by discord and profound global challenges. Leo XIV was a bridge builder between the USA and the countries of Latin America.

"Through your office, you are giving hope and orientation to millions of believers worldwide in these times of great challenges," said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) immediately after the name was announced. "For many people, you are an anchor for justice and reconciliation. In Germany, people are looking forward to your pontificate with confidence and positive expectations." He wished the Pope "much strength, health and God's blessing" for the tasks ahead.

The second deputy Bavarian Minister President Ulrike Scharf (CSU) spoke on Thursday of a "landmark decision for the Catholic Church". She added that Leo XIV "stands for cohesion, good cooperation and a willingness to engage in dialogue" and that "he is a pope for the people. He is characterised by a pragmatic approach and openness. It is important that the reforms in the Catholic Church are continued with him in order to continue to inspire people for the faith and the Church."

Following the election of Pope Leo XIV, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate, spoke of the hope that he would succeed in contributing to justice, peace and reconciliation in many places around the world. "By choosing his name, the new Pope has placed himself in the great tradition of Catholic social teaching," said Schweitzer on Thursday in Mainz. "I sincerely wish Pope Leo XIV every success, good health and the necessary strength for his great tasks."

Hesse's Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) said that the election of Pope Leo XIV sent a "strong signal for the Catholic community and the whole world", he said in Wiesbaden on Thursday. "At a time of multiple crises and growing social inequality, the Pope carries great weight as a moral authority and global mediator. He is an ambassador of peace, humanity and justice." (mal/KNA)