Italy, Germany, Ukraine congratulates Pope Leo XIV

The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, congratulated Pope Leo XIV for having been chosen as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

“I extend my most sincere desires to Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate,” wrote Meloni on X.

“In a time marked by conflicts and disorders, his words of the Loggia del Loggia Benedioni are a powerful request for peace, brotherhood and responsibility,” he added.

He praised “a spiritual legacy that follows the path traced by Pope Francis and that Italy looks with respect and hope”.

Francis, a former 88 -year -old pontiff, died Easter Monday.

The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, also congratulated “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV” for having been elected to head of the Catholic Church.

Robert Prevost, previously cardinal of Chicago, was elected on Thursday to direct 1.4 billion Catholics in the world.

He took the name Leo XIV.

Merz, who is Catholic, said in a declaration that people in Germany look to the new pontificate with confidence and positive expectations. “

“Through your office, provide hope and guide to millions of believers all over the world during these periods of great challenges.

“For many people, you are an anchor for justice and reconciliation.”

In addition, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, congratulated the new Pope on Thursday and said he hoped that the new head of the Vatican would continue to support his country devastated by the war and condemn Russia.

“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @pontifex for his election to the San Pietro headquarters and at the beginning of his pontificate”, wrote Zelensky on X.

“Ukraine deeply enhances the constant position of the Holy See in supporting international law, condemning the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and protecting the rights of innocent civilians,” added the Ukrainian President.

“At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continuous moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and obtain lasting peace”.

Zelensky concluded: “I wish His Holiness Leo XIV Wisdom, inspiration and spiritual and physical strength in execution of his noble mission”.