Senators welcome newly elected Pope Leo XIV

Senators welcome the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on Friday as the new pope, the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he is hoping that Pope Leo VIX will serve as an inspiration to the country while facing challenges.

“As the Philippines, the only Christian nation in Asia, continues to stand firm in its faith, I pray that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV may inspire and lead us as we navigate the challenges that we face as a nation,” he said in a statement.

“The new Pope represents a beacon of hope, not only for Christendom but for all of humanity, as we strive to build a world where peace prevails, wars cease, kindness flourishes, and hatred dissipates,” Escudero added. “In a time when societies are fractured by discord and nations grapple with hostility, we look to him to help mend these divisions by championing the beauty of diversity.”

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Floor Leader Koko Pimentel said that the new pope may help Filipinos deepen their faith.

“We are honored that Pope Leo XIV shares a connection with our country,” he said. “Together with the guidance of our Filipino cardinals, this moment will surely deepen the faith of many Filipinos and strengthen our spiritual commitment.”

Likewise, Senator Nancy Binay said Pope Leo XIV may inspire others to return to the Christian faith.

“In these trying times and a rapidly changing world, we all yearn for renewed spiritual guidance and moral clarity,” she said. “May his missionary heart and humble service inspire many to rediscover and return to the Christian faith.”

On the other hand, Senator Loren Legarda said that she is praying that the American pope will be a voice for social justice.

“As the Church turns a new page, we pray that Pope Leo XIV will be a strong voice for social justice—defending human dignity, lifting the poor and the vulnerable, and protecting our shared home. In these challenging times, may he lead the faithful with courage, always guided by kindness,” she said. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier congratulated Pope Leo XIV, hoping that the new Catholic Church leader would bring the Church closer to the poor.

The 69-year-old Augustinian priest is the 267th pope, the first ever pontiff from the United States, and the second pope from the Americas after his immediate predecessor Pope Francis. — BAP, GMA Integrated News