Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, made history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. In addition to his United States citizenship, he also holds citizenship in Peru, reflecting his deep ties to the South American Catholic community.  

Lamola praised the democratic process that led to Pope Leo XIV’s election and expressed optimism about his leadership.

“We congratulate the Roman Catholic Church. We congratulate the pope on this outcome, in a democratic process that produced the pope. And we wish him well and all the best in his task,” Lamola said.  

The Minister also expressed his hope that Pope Leo XIV will build upon the progressive legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for his advocacy on social justice issues, peace, equality, and climate change.  

“We hope that he will continue in the progressive inputs of the late pope, who brought the Roman Catholic Church to engage on very ground, issues of peace, of equality, of resolving global challenges such as climate change,” Lamola stated.  

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--