President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. extended his warm congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, newly elected as Pope Leo XIV. He expressed hope that the new leader of the Catholic Church would deepen the Church’s connection with the poor and marginalized.
Marcos’ Message to the New Pope
“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States for becoming the successor to Pope Francis and the shepherd of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide,” Marcos said in his speech.
As the new Pope assumed the Chair of St. Peter and took the name Leo XIV, the President prayed for him to continue guiding the Church with compassion toward those in need.
Filipinos’ Prayers and Support
Filipinos join in prayer for Pope Leo XIV’s strength and good health as he leads the faithful. Marcos also expressed hope that the Pope’s life and ministry would inspire everyone to persevere in their faith journey with Jesus Christ.
About Pope Leo XIV
At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pontiff and the first-ever pope from the United States. He is also the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis.
Before his election, Cardinal Prevost served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as a missionary. Although born in Chicago, he holds dual citizenship with Peru.
The Papal Election Process
The election involved 133 cardinals under 80 years old. They gathered in strict isolation starting Wednesday to vote in a secret, ritual-filled conclave. This process selected Cardinal Prevost as the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.