Royal shares photo with new pope

The picture accompanied a message from the royal

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MAY 9, 2025 12:32 PM EDTMAY 9, 2025, 12:32 PM EDT

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has congratulated Pope Leo XIV on becoming the 267th pontiff. The royal penned a message to His Holiness after he was named the new pope on May 8.

Translated to English, the Grand Duke wrote: "Most Holy Father, The Grand Duchess and I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to you on the occasion of your election to the Sovereign Pontificate. Your accession to the head of the Catholic Church represents a moment of hope for millions of faithful throughout the world."

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"I express the hope that your pontificate will bring peace, dialogue between peoples, and universal brotherhood," Henri continued. "Be assured, Most Holy Father, of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg's desire to continue the bonds of friendship and cooperation with the Holy See."

A photo of Henri shaking hands with the newly-elected pope accompanied the message. The image, also featuring the late Pope Francis, appears to have been taken last September when the 266th pontiff visited Luxembourg.

Prince Albert of Monaco also sent a message of congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on May 9. "On the occasion of Your Holiness's elevation to the Pontifical Throne, my Family and I assure You of our fervent prayers for the greatness of Your Pontificate and ask You to deign to accept our respectful congratulations," the Prince wrote (translated to English). "With the people of the Principality, we express the most respectful hope that the accomplishment of this eminent and weighty spiritual mission of universal scope will be marked by many satisfactions. I ask Your Holiness to deign to accept the respectful homage of my deep and filial attachment."

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 08: (EDITOR NOTE: STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY - NO MERCHANDISING). Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd on the main central loggia balcony overlooking St Peter's Square on May 08, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. White smoke was seen over the Vatican early this evening as the Conclave of Cardinals took just two days to elect Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo (Leone) XIV, as the 267th Supreme Pontiff after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. (Photo by Francesco Sforza - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Pope Leo XIV has additionally received congratulations from the Spanish Royal House. Following his appointment on Thursday, 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 added, referencing the pope's remarks from his first appearance on the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica on May 8.

Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, is the first American pope. President Donald Trump has said that having a pope from the United States is "a great honor."

"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope," the president of the United States wrote on Truth Social on May 8. "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"