Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini, through the voice of Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, has extended official and heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his election as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The message, was delivered on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government, and the People of Eswatini, “We recognise this significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church and express our best wishes for His Holiness as he embarks on his papacy,” said the Prime Minister in a formal statement issued.
The message underlines Eswatini’s long standing diplomatic respect for the Holy See and its commitment to shared values of peace, compassion, and spiritual leadership.
“May His Holiness be blessed with wisdom and strength as he guides millions around the world towards a brighter future,” the Prime Minister added, invoking a tone of both solemnity and hopeful anticipation.
The Prime Minister further assured the Vatican of Eswatini’s full spiritual solidarity, saying: “The Kingdom of Eswatini assures His Holiness of our prayers and support during this new chapter of his life.”
Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost, has been elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, marking a series of historic firsts.
Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
He is the first American-born pope, the first member of the Augustinian order to ascend to the papacy, and the first pontiff with dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.
He was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Villanova University, graduating in 1977.
He later joined the Order of Saint Augustine and was ordained a priest in 1982. His missionary work took him to Peru, where he served in various capacities, including as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was elevated to cardinal the same year.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s progressive vision for the Church.
In his inaugural address, he emphasized themes of peace, compassion, and outreach, reflecting his commitment to social justice and unity within the Church.
His papal name pays homage to previous Popes Leo I and Leo XIII, which is a blend of tradition and a forward-looking approach to leadership.
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