By Staff Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, saying his emphasis on peace resonated with most of the globe.
“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,” the president said in a statement.
“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.”
In his first address shortly after being elected, Pope Leo, speaking in Italian and Spanish referred to peace throughout his short speech, which included: “Peace be with you. Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.”
He spoke warmly of his predecessor.
Democratic Alliance federal leader John Steenhuisen has also congratulated the new pope.
“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.
“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,” Steenhuisen said in a statement.
He said being elected was to be chosen to serve – and to do so with compassion, principle and dedication.
Pope Leo, 69, is the first US pontiff. He spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and has dual Peruvian nationality.
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