His Holiness Pope Leo XIV – born Robert Francis Prevost – is the first person from the United States to lead the Catholic Church, although he also holds Peruvian citizenship after working in the Latin American country for many years.

He was selected by cardinals voting at the Vatican in Rome, and later greeted thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square with a message of peace.

Strong voices needed

Mr. Guterres extended heartfelt congratulations to the new pontiff and Roman Catholics everywhere.

“The election of a new Pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges,” he said.

“Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion.”

Building on the legacy

The Secretary-General said he looks forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the UN and the Holy See – nurtured most recently by the late Pope Francis – to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.

“It is rooted in the first words of Pope Leo,” he noted. “Despite the rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs, people everywhere share a common goal: May peace be with all the world.”

Pope Leo, 69, was born and grew up in the midwestern city of Chicago and spent years working as a missionary in Peru, before becoming a bishop and then rising to head the international Order of St. Augustine.

He became a cardinal in 2023 and went on to run the Vatican office that selects and manages Catholic bishops worldwide.

He succeeds Pope Francis - the first Pope from Latin America - who died in April after serving for 12 years.

Following his death, the UN Secretary-General recalled that “Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice” who “leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.”