PM Anwar Congratulates Catholics on Election of Pope Leo XIV

9 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Catholics in Malaysia and worldwide on the election of Pope Leo XIV.

In a Facebook post today, Anwar described the occasion as a significant new chapter for the global Catholic community, expressing confidence that it would bring renewed purpose and inspiration.

“Malaysia values its ties with the Holy See, and we look forward to continued engagement rooted in mutual respect, dialogue, and our shared commitment to peace and human dignity,” he said.

Anwar’s message follows the election of Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope by 133 cardinals in conclave on Thursday, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. He becomes the first pontiff from the United States.

Meanwhile, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Ewon Benedick also offered his congratulations in a Facebook post, wishing the newly elected pope strength in his leadership.

“With prayers, I convey sincere congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. May the Lord grant him strength in leading the Catholic Church and offer continuous healing to the world community,” said Ewon, who is also President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO).

Ewon, alongside Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal Affairs and Institutional Reform), Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, represented Malaysia at the funeral of the late Pope Francis in Vatican City last month, underscoring the nation’s diplomatic ties with the Holy See.

The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic turning point for the church, as the American-born pontiff assumes leadership amid complex spiritual and doctrinal challenges facing the global Catholic community.