Following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV - the first American to ascend to the papacy in its over 2000-year history, President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his sincere congratulations, describing the result as a profound moment for both the Catholic Church and the global community, reports Cape town Etc .
May the ceremonial white smoke that signalled the consensus of the Conclave prevail over the dark plumes of military bombardments affecting various regions of the world today, President Ramaphosa wrote in a post on X.
Pope Leo XIVs early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis.
The Traditional white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapels chimney on Thursday evening, after cardinals from across the globe convened in Vatican City and, following a two-day conclave, selected the 69-year-old from Chicago to succeed the late Pope Francis in leading the Catholic Churchs 1.4 billion followers worldwide.
South Africa wishes Pope Leo XIV a blessed and transformative papacy that will strengthen faith, unity and social solidarity in the world, concluded Ramaphosa.