Latest news with #pontificate
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
King congratulates Pope Leo in private message
The King has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election, Buckingham Palace has said. His Majesty sent 'most sincere good wishes for his pontificate' on behalf of both himself and the Queen. Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, was elected on Thursday as the 267th pontiff and Bishop of Rome. The King is deeply religious and takes his titles of Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England extremely seriously. He also holds a deep interest in other faiths and has made interfaith dialogue – one of the cornerstones of his work – using speeches to plea for coexistence and understanding. 'Special moment' The King and Queen were invited, at relatively short notice, for a private audience with the late Pope Francis last month, shortly before his death. The 20-minute visit, which took place during the couple's state visit to Italy, was described by Buckingham Palace as a 'special moment' – 'Che occasione speciale!' It was later hailed as one of the couple's 'personal highlights' of their four-day state visit. They were particularly touched by the late Pope's warm words of congratulations on their 20th wedding anniversary. Following Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday, the King described how both he and his wife were 'greatly moved' to have been able to visit the Pontiff in his final weeks, a private moment that will now take on particular resonance.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
King joins world and religious leaders in congratulating new Pope Leo XIV
The King has joined world and religious leaders in congratulating the new Pope Leo XIV on the pontiff's first full day as leader of the Catholic Church. The first ever American pontiff's election has drawn good wishes from US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The 267th pope's first public appearance in Rome on Thursday following the secret conclave meeting of cardinals prompted an outpouring of joy from the huge crowds gathered in St Peter's Square. On Friday, Buckingham Palace said the King sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election. Charles sent his and the Queen's most sincere good wishes for his pontificate, a palace spokesperson added. The King had developed a strong bond with Pope Leo's predecessor Pope Francis over the years, and met him in-person again not long before the Church leader's death last month. Sir Keir described the election of a new Pope as a 'deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally' while the Church of England's current most senior bishop said he looks forward to 'working with' the new Pope. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said: '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.' The election of the new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, has been hailed an honour and exciting time for the US by Mr Trump. Posting on his Truth Social platform about the 69-year-old pontiff, Mr Trump said: 'What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!' Mr Trump drew criticism over the weekend after sharing an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on social media. Meanwhile, US vice president JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult, congratulated the new Pope, saying 'I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!' Pope Leo previously shared posts on social media that were critical of the Trump administration, including in February sharing an opinion piece which chastised the US vice president as wrong about some aspects of Christian teaching.
Reuters
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Reaction to Cardinal Prevost becoming Pope Leo XIV, first US pontiff
May 8 (Reuters) - Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S. pontiff. Here is the reaction from notable figures: "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" "Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us." "I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being," he said in a telegram published on the Kremlin website. "A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a fraternal message." "On this May 8th, may this new pontificate bring peace and hope." "The forces of Heaven have clearly given their verdict. No more words, Mr. Judge. End." "Congratulations to Leo XIV on his assumption of office. May his leadership and wisdom guide us in difficult times. The world needs the awakening of the lions," he posted on X, apparently referring to Leon, which means lion, the symbol of President Milei. "God bless you and may the Forces of Heaven be with you." "Habemus Papam! I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on taking this office that carries such great responsibilities and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate." "I warmly congratulate you on your election as the head of the Catholic Church. Through your office, you offer hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide in these times of great challenges. For many people, you are a beacon of justice and reconciliation. In Germany, people look to your pontificate with confidence and positive expectation." "I wish you much strength, good health, and God's blessing for the tasks that lie ahead of you." "Congratulations to the whole Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV as @Pontifex_en. May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity." "We have a Pope! there is hope!"
