PM Modi congratulates Pope Leo XIV as American cardinal elected new pontiff

New Delhi, May 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended warm congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, praising his leadership as a beacon of peace and solidarity. In a message on X, Modi conveyed the greetings of the Indian people and underlined India’s commitment to ongoing engagement with the Holy See to uphold shared values.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric, was elected by the College of Cardinals, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. His election was met with cheers from thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, as the traditional white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel late last night. Appearing soon after on the Vatican balcony, the new Pope addressed the crowd with a brief but resonant message of unity and peace.

Pope Leo XIV is widely recognised as a reform-minded leader. Prior to his elevation to the papacy, he served as Archbishop in Peru and spent several years as a missionary in the country, where he gained a reputation for humility and dedication to social justice. His background and global outlook have contributed to high expectations for his tenure at a time of transition and challenge for the Catholic Church.

The announcement drew swift international praise. President Donald Trump called the appointment a “great honour” for the United States, while other world leaders offered congratulations. With the Church confronting a complex array of issues globally, the new pontiff’s leadership is seen as pivotal in steering it through the years ahead.