Lebanese officials and political leaders extended their congratulations Thursday following the historic election of American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new head of the Catholic Church, assuming the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
His election, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, was officially confirmed as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the appointment of the 267th pope in Church history.
President Joseph Aoun was among the first to react, expressing hope that the newly elected pontiff will usher in a transformative chapter for the Church. “We pray to God to grant Pope Leo XIV health, wellness and wisdom to lead the Church at this important stage of its history,” Aoun said in a statement. “We hope he will promote dialogue among religions and cultures, and that his reign will be marked by achievements that serve all humanity,” he added.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed the sentiment, congratulating the Catholic Church and the faithful in Lebanon and worldwide. “I pray that he succeeds in carrying the message of openness and peace, promoting the culture of dialogue and serving the dignity of human beings everywhere,” Salam said.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri also expressed warm congratulations on behalf of himself and the Parliament to the Pope and the global Catholic community. He praised the choice made by the Council of Cardinals, describing it as a significant moment for both the Church and humanity.
Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati also offered his well-wishes, referring to the new pope by name and sending a congratulatory cable to the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Monsignor Paolo Borgia.
“We congratulate you on the election of the new Pope, and may his pontificate follow in the footsteps of his predecessors with wisdom, peace and mercy,” Mikati wrote.
Furthermore, Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea expressed his hopes on social media that Pope Leo XIV would draw inspiration from his predecessors, “the humanitarian spirit of Pope Francis, the theological rigor of Pope Benedict XVI and the saintly courage of Pope John Paul II—particularly in his love for Lebanon.”
Kataeb Party chief Sami Gemayel shared his enthusiasm on Facebook, writing “Habemus Papam… We have a Pope!” alongside an image of the newly elected pontiff.
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