The World Council of Churches (WCC) extended ecumenical greetings to Pope Leo XIV and an assurance of continuing engagement with the Roman Catholic Church
in the era of its new pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV – Photo: Vatican Media

~ from a post dated May 8, 2025 on the World Council of Churches website

WCC moderator of the central committee Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm expressed joy and hope. “As successor of Pope Francis he will move in a strong tradition,” said Bedford-Strohm. “I expect him to continue Pope Francis’ witness of love towards all people, especially those most vulnerable, and of love for nonhuman creation.”

Bedford-Strohm noted that a strong global voice for human dignity and overcoming violence is urgently needed. “I am confident that the new pope will be such a strong voice,” he said. “As the WCC we work together with the Roman Catholic Church with great mutual friendship and appreciation. I am looking forward to many encounters both with the new pope and all others who strive for a visible unity at the churches in reconciled diversity.”

WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay said that the WCC global fellowship gives thanks to God that the Roman Catholic Church has, through its cardinals, concluded the process of choosing a new pope. “We recognise that this is no easy task and one that requires prayer, discernment, and wisdom to elect such a spiritual leader who is, indeed, not merely limited to the Roman Catholic Church but looked upon by the world for wisdom and leadership,” said Pillay. “We congratulate the new pope and pray God`s blessings, health, strength, and wisdom upon him as he assumes this holy office.”

Pillay added: “We trust that he would continue to strengthen ecumenical collaboration, Christian unity, justice and peace in the world. We live in a world of multiple crises; together we can make a difference through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The WCC remains committed to praying, walking, and working together with the Roman Catholic Church, all Christians, different faiths, and all people of goodwill in our endeavour to bring God`s peace and love on earth.” 

The Roman Catholic Church is not a member of the WCC, but the instrument of the Joint Working Group, established in 1965, has fostered close cooperation. Delegates and observers are exchanged at the time of major meetings, and the Catholic Church is formally represented in such WCC-administered bodies as the Faith and Order Commission and the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism.