Marcos: May Pope Leo XIV continue to bring Church closer to poor

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. — Photo by Reuters

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday extended his greetings on the election of Pope Leo XIV as he “prays” the newest pontiff would continue to bring the Church to the poor.

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“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 in a statement.

Marcos also expressed hopes that the first American pontiff’s life inspires the faithful.

“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,” Marcos said.

“The Filipino people are also 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,” he added.

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Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Prevost visited the Philippines several times in 2004, 2008, and 2010.

The 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church was appointed as cardinal by his predecessor, Pope Francis, in 2023./das/mcm