Election of Pope Leo XIV a ‘profound moment’, says Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his sincere congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, saying it is a “profound moment” for the Catholic Church.

Prevost became the first pope from the United States on Thursday after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. He is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.

White smoke from the Sistine Chapel had billowed into the sky on the cardinals’ second day of voting to announce his election in a secret conclave, while the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and churches across Rome rang out.

‘Peace’

Tens of thousands of people packed into St. Peter’s Square cheered as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, waving with both hands, smiling and bowing.

ALSO READ: Prevost becomes first US pope as Leo XIV

“Peace be with you,” he told the massive crowds.

‘Anticipation

Ramaphosa said Pope Leo XIV’s election is a profound moment for the Catholic Church and the global community, which followed this “solemn event with hopeful anticipation.”

“May the ceremonial white smoke that signalled the consensus of the Conclave prevail over the dark plumes of military bombardments affecting various regions of the world.

“Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis. South Africa wishes Pope Leo XIV a blessed and transformative papacy that will strengthen faith, unity and social solidarity in the world,” Ramaphosa said.

Other political parties in South Africa also congratulated Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV.

‘Justice and compassion’

DA leader John Steenhuisen wished Pope Leo XIV “all strength” for his reign.

“May he serve as a joyous example to not only Roman Catholics in South Africa and the world, but to all of us who need to be reminded that we have a responsibility to serve institutions that are greater than ourselves, that, in turn, must serve future generations. Being elected is to be chosen to serve – and do so with compassion, principle, and dedication.”

Good Party secretary-general Brett Herron said they hope Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will help shape a “more just, inclusive and humane society”.

“We call on Pope Leo XIV to walk in the footsteps of his predecessors by championing justice, compassion, and equality.  We are heartened by his words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he affirmed, ‘We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue’.” 

‘Historic day’

Former US President Barack Obama called Pope Leo XIV’s election a “historic day for the United States.”

“We will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”

US President Donald Trump also shared his excitement on his social media platform, Truth.

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

Pope Leo XIV takes over from Pope Francis, who died last month at the age of 88 after a 12-year papacy during which he sought to forge a more compassionate Church but drew anger from many conservatives with his progressive approach.

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