President Barack Obama
Pope Francis is a “champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us.” Pope Francis “carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than 2,000 years – that in each other we see the face of God.”
“As the first pope from the Americas, his selection also speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world, and alongside millions of Hispanic Americans, those of us in the United States share the joy of this historic day.”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
“We share many common goals – from the promotion of peace, social justice and human rights, to the eradication of poverty and hunger – all core elements of sustainable development.”
“I am certain that His Holiness will continue to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the promotion of interfaith dialogue which is at the heart of the Alliance of Civilizations initiative.”
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, President of Argentina
President Kirchner wished Pope Francis a “fruitful pastoral mission”. The Argentinian president recognized the “tremendous responsibility on his shoulders, seeking justice equality, brotherhood and peace among mankind.”
Shimon Peres, President of Israel
Pope Francis represents “devotion, the love of God, the love of peace, a holy modesty and a new continent which is now awakening…We need, more than ever, a spiritual leadership and not just a political one. Where political leaders may divide, spiritual leaders may unite. Unite around a vision, unite around values, unite around a faith that we can make the world a better place to live. May the Lord Bless the new Pope.”
John Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
“We wish Pope Francis every blessing in the enormous responsibilities that he has assumed on behalf of Roman Catholics around the world.”
“I look forward to meeting Pope Francis, and to walking and working together to build on the consistent legacy of our predecessors. May the love of Christ unite us, and intensify our service in a genuine and fruitful ecumenism that can be a blessing for the Body of Christ throughout the world.”
Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska
“God bless Pope Francis — a good, humble servant of God from the New World!”
Sometimes just one line says it all, doesn’t it?
See more reactions from world leaders at Zenit.