P olitical figures around the world have congratulated Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, after his election on Thursday, May 8, as Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Hailing from Chicago and a dual U.S.-Peru national, Prevost is the first North American Pope and second from the Americas, after his late predecessor Francis.

Presidents, prime ministers and royalty were among those present in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday morning for Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass, a service that marks the official start of his pontificate. Here are some of the world leaders who have flown to Rome to attend the Mass that installs Pope Leo as the leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

Global leaders express admiration and optimism for Robert Prevost, the first American Pope Leo XIV, amid calls for reform and environmental action.- Watch Video on English Oneindia