Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, calling it a "momentous day" for Catholics in Australia and around the world.
"As the first North American Pope, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership comes at an important time for the Catholic Church and the world," Albabese said in a statement, extending an invitation for the Pope to visit Australia for the 2028 International Eucharist Congress.
He also expressed hope that the new pontificate would "advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity".
"My government looks forward to continuing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV's pontificate," he said. "This is a moment which will bring joy and hope to Catholics everywhere."
Sydney Archbishop welcomes Leo's 'missionary heart'
Catholic leaders across Australia have also praised the new Pope's election, highlighting his background in religious life and social justice.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said Pope Leo would bring a "missionary heart" to the papacy, shaped by his time as an Augustinian and his leadership of the Dicastery for Bishops.
"Like the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will bring to the Church the experience of being part of a religious order with an emphasis on simplicity and community," he said.
"But he also brings a missionary heart with a determination to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ "to the ends of the Earth".
"As a canon lawyer who has served for the past two years as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he will also bring expertise in Church law and governance."
Fisher also described the Pope's first public words as "very moving", particularly his repeated affirmation that "God loves us all without any limits or conditions".
Pope Leo as a 'beacon of hope'
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe offered congratulations, noting Prevost's "approachability and willingness to listen", qualities developed during his years as a missionary in Peru.
Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli, who has met Leo several times in person, offered prayers for the new pope, saying: "May the Holy Spirit guide him with wisdom, courage, compassion and strength as he shepherds the universal Church in truth and charity".
Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles said his election came at a critical moment when the world yearned for compassionate leadership grounded in gospel values of justice, dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable.
"At a time when Australia and indeed the world faces unprecedented social challenges — from growing inequality to escalating violence and social division — Pope Leo's election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins," Nockles said.
Pope Leo XIV is both the first North American and first native English-speaker to be appointed to the papacy.
Leo spent decades as a missionary in Peru, before Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Vatican's bishop selection process.
With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
