Bishop of Derry welcomes ‘reasonably quick’ election of new Pope

The Bishop of Derry has said it is “good news” that a new Pope has been elected “reasonably quickly”.

White smoke started billowing from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel in Rome shortly after 18:00 local time (17: 00 BST), signalling the voting process had concluded.

The new pope is American Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

He appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica after his election on Thursday.

Speaking about the two-day conclave, Bishop Donal McKeown said: “Had it gone on much longer, another day or so, it would’ve been a sign of a rather split conclave.

“I’m working on the assumption this means that they have reached a consensus at a comparatively early stage which is good news for all of us.”

Bishop McKeown said he met the then Cardinal Robert Prevost in Rome last October.

He told BBC News NI that he found the new Pope to be a “most amenable person”.

“He came on his own to meet me in the office, he sat and listened, asked intelligent questions, he knew his brief,” Bishop McKeown said.

“I was very impressed by the courtesy with which I was met on that occasion. In the congregation for bishops I’m very small fry. He treated me with enormous respect and courtesy and I’m very impressed.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Pope Leo XIV’s election was a “day of profound significance for Catholics in Ireland and worldwide”.

Posting on X, she said she hoped the new Pope would “stand up for the marginalised and oppressed, champion peace, and lead with courage and compassion – just as his predecessor, Pope Francis, did”.

O’Neill also encouraged him to “stand unwaveringly for the rights of the Palestinian people”.

Posting on X, Alliance leader Naomi Long offered her prayers for the Pope.

“His first words, a commitment to bridge building and unity hopefully indicate continuity of the legacy of Pope Francis,” she said.

“May God bless him and guide him.”

Irish President Michael D Higgins offered his congratulations to the new Pope, describing it as an “immensely significant moment”.

“Pope Leo XIV assumes this important role at a time of great challenges for the world,” he said in a statement.

“I send Pope Leo my very best wishes as he begins his pontificate, and I welcome his statement that he is prepared to lead with compassion, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the values of peace, justice, and human dignity.”

Higgins said Ireland enjoys a “long-standing and deeply rooted connection with the Holy See”, and added Ireland was looking forward to “maintaining and deepening that relationship with Pope Leo”.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin wished Pope Leo XIV “every strength, good health, and the required spiritual guidance as he begins his mission of leading the Catholic Church at a time of challenge, building on the pastoral direction and achievements of Pope Francis”.

He added: “On behalf of the government and the people of Ireland, I offer warm congratulations to Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV.

“The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St. Peter’s Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new pope.”

Tánaiste (Irish deputy PM) and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris said it was a “momentous” occasion for Catholics around the world.

“As tanaiste and on behalf of the government of Ireland, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish him every success for his pontificate.

“I have no doubt he will continue to build on the extraordinary legacy left behind by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who taught us all the importance of kindness and humanity.”