Habemus Papam!

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.

As the new pontiff, who took the papal name Leo XIV, ascends the Chair of St. Peter and assumes the mantle of Bishop of Rome, I pray that he will continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged.

The Filipino people are also praying for the new pope’s strength and good health as he leads the faithful with grace, wisdom and compassion.

May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.