RAMAPHOSA WELCOMES ELECTION OF POPE LEO XIV

By The Presidency

• President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulates Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV.
• ⁠ ⁠The President highlights the Pope’s call for peace as a powerful message for a world facing conflict.
• South Africa expresses hope for a papacy that promotes unity, faith, and global solidarity.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his sincere congratulations to Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

In his message, President Ramaphosa described the election as a significant moment for the Catholic Church and the global community, who followed the proceedings of the papal conclave with hopeful anticipation.

“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,” the President said. “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.”

President Ramaphosa also welcomed the Pope’s early message of peace, saying it strikes a deep chord with millions around the world and upholds the enduring 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,” President Ramaphosa concluded.