Church leaders from across denominations say they are praying for the new Pope, Leo XIV, as he begins his first full day as the 267th pontiff.
In the Anglican Church, the Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, was among the first to send congratulations. In a statement, he said he shares in “the great joy of our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Bishop of Rome". He went on:
“Pope Leo XIV’s many years of pastoral experience, his commitment to justice and his deep spirituality are an example of life lived in service to Jesus Christ. As Anglicans, we give thanks for his call to Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the divisions that continue to exist between churches. This is something Jesus asks of us. He prays that the church will be one.”
The Archbishop of Wales, Most Rev Andrew John, also sent his “heartfelt congratulations” and said: “In a world beset by division and uncertainty, the timeless truths of the Christian message have never been more relevant, and we will hold Pope Leo in our prayers as he takes on his momentous responsibilities of leadership.”
Catholic bishops in England and Wales posted individual prayers and messages of support on the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Among them, the Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, Most Rev Mark O’Toole, said he was “overjoyed” and that “with his global experience and deep faith” Pope Leo would be “lovingly received, not only by Catholics, but by fellow Christians, people of all faiths and all men and women of goodwill. He will make an outstanding contribution to peace and stability in our world.”
In Ireland, the Archbishop of Armagh, Most Rev Eamon Martin, said he had met the then Cardinal Robert Prevost in February and “he came across as a humble and respectful listener, wanting to learn as much as possible about the Church in Ireland".
"He is a calm, affable and approachable person. He is a friend of Ireland and no doubt the Augustinian communities at home will be delighted with the news," Archbishop Eamon said.
“Pope Leo is a missionary at heart with a breadth of international experience and background – having ministered in three continents. His opening words about peace and ‘building bridges’ indicate that he wishes to work for reconciliation and unity in the Church and in the world.”
Christine Allen, Director and Chief Executive of CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), said the new pope would be a “voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world, as he continues the important work of leading the church in the world and providing spiritual and moral guidance to the global community."
She added: "Having spent years in Peru, Pope Leo XIV brings with him the vital perspective of the Global South, elevating voices from the margins to centre stage.
“The pope is the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, and an important player on the global stage. He is one of the few people who can bridge political divides and bring world leaders together for the common good.
“He will be in our prayers.”