A Greeting of Faith and Respect: The Church of Jesus Christ Congratulates the New Pope Leo XIV

A Greeting of Faith and Respect: The Church of Jesus Christ Congratulates the New Pope Leo XIV

With sincere respect and a spirit of unity, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended a message of goodwill to the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, elected May 7, 2025, as the 267th pontiff.

On behalf of the leaders and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we offer our prayers and greetings to Pope Leo XIV. This significant moment for the Catholic Church is a reminder of the enduring power of faith for people around the world, the First Presidency said in an official statement.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we look forward to continuing to work together to bless the lives of God’s children everywhere. May we strive to follow the Savior’s example by caring for the poor and needy, becoming peacemakers, and creating a world where faith and goodness flourish.”

The World Welcomes a New Pontiff

The announcement was made from the Vatican with the iconic Latin phrase: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!” —a great joy for the more than one billion Catholics around the world.

After four ballots, the 133 cardinals gathered in the most diverse conclave in history elected Cardinal Robert F. Prevost , a 69-year-old American Augustinian with a pastoral career deeply linked to Latin America, especially Peru.

From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV delivered his first address to the world. Speaking in Italian and Spanish, he made a hopeful appeal:

Help us build bridges.

His words evoked the themes of peace, dialogue, and inclusion that marked the pontificate of Pope Francis, whom he remembered with affection and gratitude.

An Invitation to Continue Building Bridges

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares with the Catholic Church a love for Jesus Christ, a desire to uplift others, and a conviction that faith has a central place in personal and collective life.

Both institutions have collaborated on various humanitarian and social initiatives over time, including joint efforts in Peru, where the new pontiff left his mark during his service.

This moment marks more than a change of leadership: it is an opportunity to renew the vision of unity among believers of different traditions, guided by the light of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.