How Did PM Modi and LoP Gandhi Congratulate Pope Leo XIV?

New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the newly elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken on the role as the leader of the Catholic Church and the spiritual figure for Christians worldwide. He expressed hope that under the Pope's guidance, there will be a promotion of peace and harmony.

In his message to the new Pope, who will adopt the pontifical name Leo XIV, PM Modi stated on the platform X, “I extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes from the people of India to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”

The Prime Minister emphasized India's dedication to peace, noting, “His leadership of the Catholic Church arrives at a crucial time for advancing ideals of solidarity, peace, and service. India is committed to ongoing dialogue and partnership with the Holy See to enhance our mutual values.”

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also conveyed his congratulations to the new Pope, marking him as the first Pope born in the United States.

“Kudos to Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV. May his leadership nurture compassion and service to humanity. My warmest wishes to the global Catholic community on this celebratory occasion,” stated LoP Gandhi on social media platform X.

The American prelate, Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the new Pope on Thursday and, addressing the enthusiastic crowd in Italian, he proclaimed: "Peace be with all of you."

Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old Prevost, a member of the Augustinian order, has a notable history of service in Peru and held the role of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023, having been appointed by Pope Francis, who elevated him to Cardinal.

Interestingly, he is the second consecutive Pope from the Americas, following the Argentinian Pope Francis.

The world awaited with bated breath as the iconic white smoke emerged from the chimney above St. Peter's Square, indicating that the Cardinals had successfully chosen a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away last month.

Cheers erupted among both clergy and laypeople as they awaited the new head of the Roman Catholic Church’s first appearance, a figure revered across the global Christian community.

"Beloved brothers and sisters, this is the inaugural greeting of the resurrected Christ. I wish to extend a greeting of peace to reach your families, wherever they may be. May peace be with you," he expressed, as reported by the BBC.

The conclave, consisting of 133 cardinals, reconvened in the Sistine Chapel after a lunch break on Thursday, following inconclusive ballots earlier that day.

A new Pope is required to secure a two-thirds majority, which means 89 votes in this conclave. The recent conclaves averaged three days and seven ballots, as noted by the BBC.