The election of Pope Leo XIV has been welcomed by Bishop Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

The Primus said after the new Pope appeared on the balcony at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City: “I rejoice in the news of the election of Pope Leo and I offer the prayers of the Scottish Episcopal Church as he begins this very special ministry, for the strength and courage to lead the Catholic Church in its mission to bring love and hope to the world.

“I also pray for the Catholic community here in Scotland as it welcomes its new Holy Father, and look forward to the continuing friendship between our Churches in the years ahead.”

Pope Leo XIV is the pontifical name of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was selected by the gathered cardinals after four votes over two days in the Sistine Chapel. He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.

The Rev Canon Prof Charlotte Methuen, Convener of the Inter-Church Relations Committee, writes: “This seems an inspired choice of the next Bishop of Rome. Cardinal Robert F. Prevost was born in Chicago and is the first ever pope to come from North America, but has many years of missionary and pastoral service in South America. His family background brings together Central American and European influences.

“He was made a cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis and is expected to continue Pope Francis’ focus on speaking out on behalf of the poor and marginalised. That he has taken the papal name Leo (XIV) might point to the tradition of Leo XIII (pope 1878 – 1903), the social pope who stood up for the rights of workers while also encouraging the Roman Catholic church to engage with modern intellectual developments.”