LAST UPDATE | 8 May

IRISH AND WORLD leaders have congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new Pontiff in The Vatican this evening.

American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope this evening, becoming the first Pontiff to hail from the United States. 

Messages have since poured in from Irish leaders and others all over the world to congratulate the 69-year-old from Chicago, who has taken the name Leo XIV.

Irish President Michael D Higgins extended his “warmest congratulations” to the new pope. He said the new Pope Leo XIV assumes the role “at a time of great challenge for the world”.

“I send Pope Leo my very best wishes as he begins his Pontificate, and I welcome his statement that he is prepared to lead with compassion, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the values of peace, justice, and human dignity,” he said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, on behalf of the Irish Government, offered their congratulations to Pope Leo XIV in separate statements this evening.

“The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St. Peter’s Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new Pope,” Martin said.

US President Donald Trump has also congratulated the new pope, remarking on his American nationality. 

“What excitement,” Trump said. “And what a great honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

Statement from Trump on TruthSocial this evening.

The Taoiseach wished the new Pope “every strength, good health, and the required spiritual guidance as he begins his mission of leading the Catholic Church at a time of challenge, building on the pastoral direction and achievements of Pope Francis”.

Similarly, the Tánaiste said he has “no doubt” that Pope Leo XIV will continue to “build on the extraordinary legacy” left by Pope Francis.

He said he hopes Ireland and the Holy See can continue their “long and enduring relationship”.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked on the importance of his first remarks in the Vatican this evening, which focused on peace, brotherhood and responsibility, “in a time marked by conflict and unrest”.

“A spiritual legacy that follows the path traced by Pope Francis, and that Italy looks at with respect and hope,” Meloni said in a post to X.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald wished Pope Leo XIV well in his leadership of the Catholic Church. She said it was a “big day” for everyone of “faith and spirituality” throughout the world.

🕊️ Habemus papam! A new Pope. This a big day not only for those of us who are Catholic but for everyone of faith and spirituality throughout the world.
I wish Pope Leo XIV well in his leadership of the church. I hope that he will continue the courageous legacy of Pope Francis in… pic.twitter.com/jezQKW4oj9

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) May 8, 2025

“I hope that he will continue the courageous legacy of Pope Francis in being a true voice for compassion, peace, and justice,” she added.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also congratulated Pope Leo XIV on behalf of the European Union, where millions of civilians draw “daily inspiration from the church”.

“We are confident that Pope Leo XIV will use his voice on the global stage to promote these shared values and encourage unity in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate world,” von der Leyen said.

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

“The European Union stand ready to work closely with the Holy See to confront global challenges and nurture a spirit of solidarity, respect and kindness.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has congratulated the new pope, writing on X: “May your pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”

President of Columbia Gustavo Petro said he hopes Pope Leo XIV will encourage South American migrants. New German chancellor Friedrick Merz said he hopes the pontiff will help to guide the world in “these challenging times”.

Former US president Barack Obama congratulated his “fellow Chicagoan” in a post on X, on behalf of himself and his wife Michelle.