Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, 267th Pope of the Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected on Thursday, (8 May 2025), as the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church.
President Ramaphosa said: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a profound moment for the Catholic Church as well as the global community who 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 today.
“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.”
Pope Leo XIV replaces Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on 21 April 2025 after battling illness.
Democratic Alliance Leader John Steenhuisen, who is also the Agriculture Minister, congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
“Being chosen to serve in this historic line of papal leadership, the election of Pope Leo XIV is a timely reminder to all of us, but perhaps especially those holding elected office, that leadership means little if no greater mission is served,” said Steenhuisen.
“As the most loved predecessors of His Holiness have shown over generations, high office cannot be sought or used simply for the satisfaction of short-term or even personal gain.
“As the DA, we wish His Holiness Leo XIV all strength for his reign.”
The GOOD party extended “warmest congratulations” to the Catholic community on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as he assumes the sacred responsibility of guiding over a billion faithful in matters of faith, morality, church discipline, and governance.
“We call on Pope Leo XIV to walk in the footsteps of his predecessors by championing justice, compassion, and equality,” the GOOD party said.
“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.
“This vision of unity and inclusivity resonates deeply with the values needed across the globe.
“We hope his leadership will help shape a more just, inclusive, and humane society.”
