President Hichilema joins world leaders in congratulating new Pope Leo XIV

President Hakainde Hichilema has joined world leaders in offering congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

“This sacred appointment marks a moment of profound significance not only for the Catholic faithful, but also for the global community that continues to draw moral guidance and inspiration from the papacy,” President Hichilema stated in a statement posted on his social media handle on Friday.

He also congratulated the Catholic faithful around the world on the historic moment.

“May Pope Leo XIV’s leadership be blessed with wisdom, compassion, and strength as he shepherds the Church in these defining times,” he said.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the first American Pope in history,according to Vatican News.

American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen by the conclave to be the next pope.

He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Vatican News reported that 133 red-robed cardinals from around the world casted their ballots to elect the new pontiff.

During the papal conclave, the cardinals were barred from leaving or having any contact with the outside world as they selected the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

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