UAE leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV on historic election

UAE leaders have extended warm congratulations to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope of the Catholic Church, following his selection by 133 cardinals.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a cable to the new pope offering sincere wishes for success in his mission as leader of the Catholic church.

Similar messages were sent by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

The messages follow Pope Leo XIV’s appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, shortly after white smoke signalled his historic election.

He becomes the 267th Catholic pope, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away last month after serving as the Church’s first Latin American pontiff for 12 years.