Sara hopes Church to 'tirelessly work for peace' under Pope Leo XIV

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost for being elected as the new leader of the 1.4-billion strong Catholic Church, expressing hope that his pontificate will bring in reconciliation and understanding in the world.

Duterte said the election of Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV for his papacy, inspires Filipinos to deepen their commitment to prayer, service, and the Gospel values that bind them as one family in Christ.

"This joyful moment unites over 80 million Filipinos—whether in our archipelago or spread across every continent—in deep gratitude to God for guiding the College of Cardinals in their discernment and prayer," she said in a statement.

"We pray that Pope Leo XIV's pontificate will awaken a revitalized spirit of faith in every parish, every community, and every heart," she added.

Under the leadership of the new pope, the Vice President said she looks forward to a Church that fosters dialogue across faiths and cultures, promotes solidarity among nations, and tirelessly works for peace.

"May his guidance open new paths for reconciliation, understanding, and cooperation in our troubled world," she said.

Duterte further expressed hope that the Philippines would always be counted among those who uphold and advance the mission of the universal Church under Pope Leo XIV's leadership.

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. — VDV, GMA Integrated News