The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has received warm congratulations from several Orthodox Patriarchs, who expressed hopes for strengthened Christian unity and cooperation in addressing modern global challenges.

Patriarchs of the Antiochian, Serbian, and Romanian Orthodox Churches sent messages to the 69-year-old pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States, who was elected by the conclave on May 8. His election followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 89.

Patriarch John X of Antioch expressed joy and prayerful support for Pope Leo XIV, recalling the legacy of the late Pope Francis. In his statement, shared via the Antiochian Patriarchate's official social media, John X emphasized the need for joint Christian witness and requested prayers for the people of Syria and Lebanon.

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije called the election of Pope Leo XIV "a sign of Divine Providence" and acknowledged the spiritual depth of Pope Francis’s papacy. He affirmed his confidence in the new pope’s ability to lead the faithful in truth and love, urging a continued effort toward Christian unity and cooperation between Churches.

Romanian Patriarch Daniel began his greeting with the traditional Paschal exclamation “Christ is Risen!” and underscored the importance of solidarity among Christians amid spiritual and social challenges. He voiced gratitude for the Catholic Church’s support of Orthodox Romanians in Western Europe and expressed hope for the continued development of positive relations between the two traditions.

In addition, the leadership of the World Council of Churches (WCC) extended congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. The message, signed by Central Committee Chair Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and General Secretary Professor Jerry Pillay, highlighted the pontiff’s commitment to mission, synodality, peace, and bridge-building. “These are precisely the values our divided and suffering world yearns for,” the letter stated.

Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago and ordained in 1982, previously served as bishop in Peru and was made cardinal in 2023. Known for his moderate stance, he advocates for social justice, the inclusion of laypeople in church life, and upholding traditional moral teachings. His election came on the second day of the conclave and on the fourth ballot.

The pope now faces the task of guiding the Catholic Church through a complex global landscape while building on the ecumenical legacy of his predecessors.