Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended their warm congratulations to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, following the announcement of his election as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
In a message released shortly after the white smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel, Chancellor Merz expressed heartfelt congratulations to the American-born pontiff, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. “Through your office, you bring hope and guidance to millions of faithful around the world during these difficult times. For many, you are an anchor of justice and reconciliation,” Merz stated. “In Germany, people look to your pontificate with trust and positive expectation. I wish you strength, health, and the blessing of God for the mission ahead.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also offered a public message of support, expressing his hope that Pope Leo XIV will contribute to promoting peace and human dignity across the globe.
“May the pontiff help strengthen dialogue and defend human rights in a world in need of hope and unity,” Sánchez wrote in a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter), just minutes after the official announcement from the Vatican.
