OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement Thursday congratulating Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, calling it a moment of “renewal, hope, and unity” for Catholics around the world.
“The white smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel signals the beginning of a new papacy — a moment of renewal, hope, and unity for more than a billion faithful worldwide,” said Carney. “This is a historic moment for the Catholic community and for all those who look to the Vatican for guidance.”
The Prime Minister offered Canada’s best wishes to the new Pope as he begins his spiritual leadership, and called for collaboration on global values rooted in justice and sustainability.
I offer my prayers and best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election, an historic day for Catholics and all who look to the Vatican for guidance. At a time of global challenges, may his pontificate carry forward a mission of solidarity, compassion, and dignity for all.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 8, 2025
“At a time of profound global challenges, may his pontificate be marked by wisdom, discernment, a deep commitment to common good, and dignity of all,” the statement continued.
Carney said Canada looks forward to working with Pope Leo XIV to advance a vision of global solidarity and human dignity. The new Pope succeeds His Holiness Pope Francis, who held the papacy for over a decade and was a prominent voice on climate change, refugee protection, and interfaith dialogue.
The election of a new Pope marks a historic transition for the global Catholic Church and its more than one billion members, including millions of Canadians.
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