African leaders have warmly welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church, hailing his ascension as a pivotal moment not only for the Catholic faithful but for a world in search of peace, unity and moral leadership.
The former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected amid global anticipation following the death of Pope Francis in April at the age of 88.
In a break with centuries of tradition, Prevost becomes the first American to serve as pope – although his decades-long missionary work in Peru and his Latin American roots imbue his papacy with a broader, more global resonance.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the first to congratulate the new pontiff, describing his election as “a profound moment for the Catholic Church and the global community.”
“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,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
He praised Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on peace, calling it “a call that resonates with most of humanity and one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis.”
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu echoed this sentiment, commending the Pope’s message of hope and faith.
“The new Pontiff’s message already resonates across the globe with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world,” he noted.
Kenyan President William Ruto also hailed the election, calling it a moment of “spiritual significance not only for Catholics worldwide but for humanity at large.”
“May your papacy be a shining light of love, hope and compassion; may it uplift the poor, give voice to the voiceless, heal divisions and steadfastly champion peace, justice and the sanctity of human dignity around the world,” Ruto said.
Pope Leo XIV’s election followed the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully at the Vatican after a decade-long papacy marked by humility, outreach to the poor and a progressive tone on social issues.
Francis’ final blessing, delivered from the same balcony on Easter Sunday, was still fresh in the minds of many as Leo XIV gave his first address.
Standing before tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV opened his papacy with a heartfelt call for peace: “Peace be with you. A disarmed, disarming, humble peace. God loves us all, unconditionally.”
The 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric, of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, has long been regarded as a bridge-builder.
Known for his work in Peru with marginalised communities, he spent over a decade as a parish priest and seminary teacher in Trujillo, where he gained Peruvian citizenship and left a legacy of compassion and service.
Observers say although it is early day, Pope Leo XIV’s election could bring renewed attention to issues that resonate deeply across the African continent – including poverty, migration and conflict resolution.
“His background suggests an openness to dialogue and a commitment to the Church’s social mission, qualities that many African leaders and clergy have long advocated for in Vatican leadership,” said political analyst Donald Porusingazi.
The symbolism of his papal name, Leo – historically associated with strength in times of crisis – has led many to believe he will continue the reformist and socially conscious trajectory of Pope Francis.
With Catholicism growing rapidly in Africa, many hope Pope Leo XIV will actively engage with the continent’s spiritual and socio-political realities.
His first words as pontiff — “Help us build bridges, with dialogue, to always be at peace” – are already being seen as a hopeful sign by African leaders and faithful alike.
JN/APA