MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. congratulated American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, for becoming the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
In a statement on Friday morning, the Chief Executive said he is hoping that the new Pope would bring the Church closer to the poor.
“On behalf of the Philippines, I congratulate Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States on his election as the successor of Pope Francis and leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church,’” Marcos said.
“’As the new pontiff, who took the papal name Leo XIV, ascends the Chair of St. Peter and assumes the mantle of Bishop of Rome, I pray that he will continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged,” he added.
President Marcos also said Filipinos are praying for the new Pope’s strength and good health as he leads the faithful with grace, wisdom and compassion.
“May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ,’” Marcos said.
The 69-year-old Prevost is the 267th pope, marking the first time a pontiff has originated from the United States, and he is the second pope from the Americas following his predecessor, Pope Francis, an Argentinian.
Prevost served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and is the Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru, where he engaged in missionary work.
Although he was born in Chicago, he also possesses Peruvian citizenship.
The 133 cardinals under the age of 80 commenced the highly ceremonial and confidential voting process on Wednesday, sequestered in total isolation to select a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21./PN
