Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, following his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church. In a formal statement released on social media, President Marcos expressed the country’s support and prayers for the new pope as he begins his papal mission.
“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,” President Marcos stated.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American to become pope, has a special connection with the Philippines, having visited the country multiple times before his election. One notable visit was in 2004 when he attended the 19th anniversary celebration of the Augustinian Community of Santo Niño de Cebu Parish in Barangay Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu. He also celebrated mass at the historic San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, during the Order of Saint Augustine’s Intermediate General Chapter in 2010.
In his message, President Marcos emphasized his hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue the Church’s mission of compassion, especially toward the poor and disadvantaged. “I pray that he will continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged,” he added.
The president also highlighted the prayers of the Filipino people for the new pontiff’s strength and health. “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,” he wrote.
President Marcos concluded his message with a prayerful wish that the pope’s life and ministry would inspire Filipinos to persevere in faith. “May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
