Pacific leaders welcome Pope Leo XIV with hope for peace
Leaders from Asia and the Pacific are congratulating the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, expressing hopes for his fruitful pontificate that will contribute to peace and justice in the world.
Main information
- The Pope is Cardinal Robert Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV.
- Leaders from Asia and the Pacific have expressed hope for a fruitful pontificate.
- The Vatican is one of 12 countries recognizing Taiwan.
Cardinal Robert Prevost from the USA has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election was announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The election of the new leader of the Catholic Church has sparked enthusiasm among Catholics worldwide. Leo XIV, who is 69 years old, has extensive experience in service, especially in Peru. Congratulations are pouring into the Vatican from around the world, including from the Asia and the Pacific region. Among those congratulating him is the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
As we saw with Pope Francis, the papacy holds extraordinary power to unite people across the globe in addressing the most urgent challenges of our time, especially the pursuit of justice and peace - wrote Christopher Luxon.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, expressed on social media his hope that Leo XIV's pontificate will support peace and justice. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, conveyed similar wishes, emphasizing the papacy's unifying role.
Challenges and expectations
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that President Lai Ching-te congratulated the Pope, emphasizing the desire for continued cooperation with the Vatican "in pursuit of peace, justice, religious freedom, solidarity, fraternity, and human dignity."
As Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized, Japan is contemplating dispatching a representative to the inauguration events. He also expressed hope that the positive ties between Japan and the Vatican will continue progressing.
The new pope faces many challenges and significant expectations. His pontificate is expected to be a time of striving for peace, justice, and unity among nations. Leo XIV's election is seen as an opportunity to strengthen international relations and promote Christian values.
The future of Leo XIV's pontificate is full of hope and expectations. His experience and vision can contribute to positive changes in the world. Everyone is waiting for the new pope's first steps and his actions for the global community.
