Australian Catholics Welcome First American Pope in Historic Appointment

Albanese congratulated Pope Leo XIV, calling his election a moment of ‘joy and hope.’

People listen to newly elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, addresses the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images

Australians across religious and political spheres have welcomed the appointment of American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died aged 88 on April 21, becoming the first American and first native English speaker to ascend to the papacy.