The Spanish Royal House has extended its congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. Following the 267th pontiff's appointment, Casa de S.M. el Rey posted on X (translated to English): "We congratulate Cardinal Prevost on his election as the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV."
"His call for peace inspires us, encourages us, and reflects the deepest desires and feelings of the Spanish people," Casa de S.M. el Rey continued, referencing the pope's remarks from his first appearance on the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica on May 8.
"Peace be with you!" Pope Leo XIV said in his first address (translated to English via Vatican News). "Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you."
"This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome - the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter," the pope added. "Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace."
Pope Leo XIV went on to thank his predecessor Pope Francis, as well as his "Cardinal brothers who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel."
Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope. He was elected by the conclave on May 8 to succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21. King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were among the royals who attended the 266th pope's funeral on April 26 in St. Peter's Square. After the passing of Pope Francis last month, King Felipe sent a telegram to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, expressing his condolences.
"Most Reverend Eminence: Upon receiving, with profound sadness, the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, I wish to convey to you, on behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of Spain, our deepest condolences," His Majesty wrote (translated to English). "Throughout his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Francis has borne witness to the importance of love of neighbor, fraternity, and social friendship for the world of our century."
"We will always continue to be inspired by his conviction of the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy, and by the importance he placed on dialogue and consensus to achieve a more just and united world," Felipe continued. "In the midst of our sorrow for his loss, the Queen and the entire Royal Family join me in conveying to the entire Catholic Church our condolences and affection, as well as our prayers for his eternal rest. Please accept, Most Reverend Eminence, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem."