Serbian Patriarch congratulated on the election of a new Pope

The Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, has sent greetings to the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of his election to the papal throne. The patriarch believes that the election of an American to the post of head of the Vatican is a divine providence. The greeting was published on the website of the Serbian Church.

“Undoubtedly, nothing happens without the providence and holy will of God. Therefore, the fact that the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church saw in Your Eminence a worthy successor to the late Pope Francis is a clear expression of Divine Providence. The Blessed Pope Francis will remain in our memory – both personally and in the collective consciousness of the Serbian people – with the deepest respect and most cherished memories. To assume the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church after such a strong and radiant spiritual figure is undoubtedly a challenging but blessed mission. It is the Gospel that strengthens us, for the Lord says: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me … for My yoke is easy and My burden is light“ (Matthew 11:28, 30),” the text of the greeting reads.

Patriarch Porfirije assured Pope Leo XIV of the prayerful support of the Serbian Church, expressing his firm belief that the newly elected Pope will fulfill his mission with faith and honesty.

“As one who accepts Christ, the Good Shepherd, as his model and strength, we are confident that throughout your pontificate, in word and deed, you will lead the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church to the eternal and unchanging values of the Gospel. These values are now, more than ever, urgently needed in today’s world – indeed, they may be the only true response to the challenges of our time. Your Holiness, together with the entire body of the Serbian Orthodox Church, we offer our heartfelt prayers for your health, strength, joy and unwavering steadfastness in the witness of the Gospel, and humbly pray for the abundant Divine grace that helps you in the fulfillment of your noble and difficult archpastoral duties,” – concluded the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

As we reported earlier, on May 8, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church elected a new Pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States became the 267th pontiff, who took the name Leo XIV after his election. He is the first Pope in the history of the Catholic Church to come from the United States of America.