# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the election of Pope Leo the 14th is a profound moment for the Catholic Church and the global community. Robert Prevost is the first American pontiff to head the Catholic Church. In a statement, Ramaphosa says the Pope’s early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis. He adds that South Africa wishes the pontiff a blessed and transformative papacy that will strengthen faith, unity and social solidarity worldwide.
Ramaphosa wishes the new Pope a transformative papacy that will strengthen unity