“This is a momentous moment for Catholics here in Scotland and around the world.”
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV(Image: AP/Alessandra Tarantino)
Scotland has reacted and welcomed the new Pope Leo XIV in what has been described as a “momentous moment for Scots Catholics” by the First Minister.
After Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, it has today been announced that Robert Francis Prevost, an American missionary from Chicago, Illinois, has been chosen to succeed him. The 69-year-old’s papal name will be Leo XIV.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has welcomed Pope Leo XIV. He said: “On behalf of the people of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Cardinal Prevost who has been elected by the College of Cardinals to be the next Pope.
“This is a momentous moment for Catholics here in Scotland and around the world.
John Swinney, attending the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican.(Image: Scottish Government/PA Wire.)
“I know that Cardinal Prevost, who has taken the name of Pope Leo XIV, will assume his office with humility, respect and peace.”
Elsewhere, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar shared Swinney’s sentiments. He wrote on X: “Habemus Papam! Leo XIV Let the message of His Holiness, the new Pope, of building bridges be a lesson to the world in these troubled times.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world.
“Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer arrive at the funeral of Pope Francis (Image: Getty Images)
“As Pope Francis’ papacy showed, the Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the major issues of our time; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world.
“I look forward to meeting the Holy Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church here in the UK and internationally to advance our shared values and the common good.”
The Chief Executive of the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, the official relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland, Lorraine Currie, added: “As the first Pope from the US and with extensive experience working and living in Latin America, we know Pope Leo XIV will bring a unique global perspective to his papacy.
“Known as a humble servant who believes in walking closely with those who are suffering, the new Pope’s emphasis on bridge-building and social justice signal a hopeful new chapter for the church and the world.
“We look forward to working alongside the Holy Father in his mission to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world and uphold the dignity of the poorest and most vulnerable.
“Any Pope quickly becomes a major historical figure. We hope that Pope Leo’s era will be marked.”
The Church of Scotland wished the catholic church all the best with the appointment of the new pope. Their post on X read: “A new Pope has been elected as the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church.
“Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson said: “On behalf of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland may I offer my very best wishes to the Roman Catholic Church on the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
“We assure the Catholic Church in Scotland of our continued prayers at this significant moment in the life of the Church.”
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell leads the congregation out from the west doors of York Minster into Duncombe Place, following the service of Festal Eucharist, the principal Easter Day service at York Minster. Picture date: Sunday April 20, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story RELIGION Easter. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire(Image: Danny Lawson/PA )
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said he will “look forward to working with” Pope Leo XIV as he welcomed the pontiff’s appointment on Thursday.
“I share in the great joy of our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Bishop of Rome. With Christians around the world, I will be praying for the new Pope as he takes on the enormous challenges and responsibilities of the Petrine ministry,” he said in a statement.
“Pope Leo XIV’s many years of pastoral experience, his commitment to justice, and his deep spirituality are an example of life lived in service to Jesus Christ.
“As Anglicans we give thanks for his call to Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the divisions that continue to exist between churches. This is something Jesus asks of us. He prays that the church will be one.
“This evening, the new Pope spoke of a Church that seeks peace and remains close to those who suffer. Our wounded world needs the justice, healing and hope of Jesus Christ, and we look forward to working with Pope Leo XIV and Roman Catholics in every place to share that love with those in need.
“I pray that God’s sustaining Spirit will uphold the new Pope in his service of Christ.”
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