Marcos congratulates Pope Leo on election as new pontiff

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sent his congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States on his election as the new head of the Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis.

Prevost, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV, now leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as the Bishop of Rome and successor to St. Peter. He is the first American pope in history and was elected after a two-day conclave of 133 cardinal-electors held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

"On behalf of the Philippines, I congratulate Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States on his election as the successor of Pope Francis and leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church,” Marcos said in a statement released Friday, May 9.

“I pray that he will continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged,” he added.

Marcos also offered prayers for the new pope’s strength and good health, expressing hope that his leadership will be marked by grace, wisdom, and compassion.

“May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ,” the President said.

The announcement of Pope Leo XIV’s election was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of faithful gathered to witness the traditional Habemus Papam proclamation.

The new pope, 69, previously served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was known for his pastoral work in Peru before being appointed to the Vatican.

The Philippines, home to over 85 million Catholics, is the third-largest Catholic population in the world following Brazil and Mexico.