‘White smoke, global hope’ – Ramaphosa bows to first American pope

Pope

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV, describing it as a “profound moment” for both the Catholic Church and the global community.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) late on Wednesday, Ramaphosa expressed hope that the newly elected pope’s early message of peace would help inspire unity in a world beset by conflict.

“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,” Ramaphosa wrote.

He commended Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on peace as “a call that resonates with most of humanity” and one that “honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis”.

South Africa, he added, wishes Pope Leo XIV “a blessed and transformative papacy that will strengthen faith, unity and social solidarity in the world”.

The papal conclave concluded earlier this week with the election of Pope Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis in April.

The new pontiff is expected to address the Church’s role in conflict resolution, climate action, and poverty alleviation.

He is the first-ever pope from the United States and the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.

Political leaders across South Africa, including DA’s John Steenhuisen and Bosa’s Mmusi Maimane, also praised the new pope, expressing hopes for a reign marked by justice, compassion, and unity.

“I congratulate Pope Leo XIV. We pray for your strength and wisdom. May your mission of unity prosper, and always look after the poor all over the world. May God lead you and guide you as lead the millions of Catholics all over the world. God bless and keep you,” Maimane wrote

Former US President Barack Obama hailed the event as historic, while Donald Trump celebrated it as a great honour for the US.

“We will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” said Obama.

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