EU Leaders Congratulate Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff
EU officials and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV has made history by becoming the first American to occupy the See of Peter, marking what many see as a moment of global importance.
MEPs praised his election as:
“a bridge between continents, traditions, and generations.”
In a formal statement, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament said:
“We look to his evident integrity, his moral authority, his deep pastoral experience and his call for unity in a divided world. The ancient ceremony that elected the new pontiff links us to history but it also links us to the future.
“As conservatives, we believe that Europe’s future must remain rooted in the Christian values that shaped our civilisation: human dignity, truth, responsibility, and freedom.
“We celebrate Pope Leo XIV’s election and join millions of faithful in wishing him serenity and strength.”
Nicola Procaccini, a senior Italian MEP who has served since 2019, remarked:
“Pope Leo XIV carries with him the hopes of millions. As Europeans, we look to his voice to remind us of the Christian roots of our civilisation — and the strength they offer in times of confusion and doubt.”
ECR co-leader Patryk Jaki added:
“We congratulate Pope Leo XIV with respect and sincerity. We wish him strength and wisdom in his mission, at a time when the Church’s voice is vital.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also shared her congratulations:
“We sincerely congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Pope and head of the Catholic Church.
“Millions of Europeans draw daily inspiration from the Church’s enduring commitment to peace, human dignity, and mutual understanding among nations.”
She emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation, stating:
“We are confident that Pope Leo XIV will use his voice on the global stage to promote these shared values and encourage unity in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.
“The European Union stands ready to work closely with the Holy See to confront global challenges and nurture a spirit of solidarity, respect and kindness.”
She concluded her remarks with a message of hope:
“We wish that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue.”
Von der Leyen’s comments were echoed by European Council President Antonio Costa.
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