Archbishop Eamon Martin says new Pope is 'friend of Ireland'

The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland has led tributes to Pope Leo XIV from across the island of Ireland, describing him as "calm, affable and approachable".

Archbishop Eamon Martin said the new Pope was a "friend of Ireland and no doubt the Augustinian communities at home will be delighted with the news".

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

The new pope, American Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica after his election on Thursday.

Archbishop Martin, along with Archbishops Dermot Farrell, Kieran O'Reilly and Francis Duffy, met the man who would become Pope in February.

"He came across as a humble and respectful listener, wanting to learn as much as possible about the Church in Ireland," Archbishop Martin said.

"Pope Leo's choice of name suggests that a commitment to Catholic social teaching will be a hallmark of his papacy. Please pray for him. Saint Peter intercede for him. Our Lady of Grace watch over him", he added.

Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown said he had 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."

Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian said he welcomed Pope Leo XIV's election "with joy and gratitude".

"In a world torn apart by conflict, war and confusion, he encourages us to be heralds of peace and unity."

He encouraged all clergy, religious and laity across the diocese to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the new pontiff.

Two Church of Ireland archbishops also welcomed the Pope.

Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell said he wanted to "pass on the good wishes of the Church of Ireland not only to Pope Leo but also to the bishops, priests and Catholic people of Ireland as they enter in closer communion and closer knowledge of their new Chief Shepherd".

Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson said Pope Leo was "in our prayers as he embarks upon his Godly task which is new to him and new to the world as the Bishop of Rome".

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."

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Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna said the new Pope takes on an important role "at a time when the Church needs to reflect the needs of a changing world and values of a new generation".

"Pope Francis led with humility, grace and decency, qualities that earned him the admiration of people of every faith and none," she added.

"I hope Pope Leo will continue in that spirit, offering leadership that is compassionate, courageous and grounded in service."

Hanna said she also hoped Pope Leo XIV would not "shy away from calling out injustice and inhumanity", mentioning both Gaza and Ukraine.

Green Party leader Mal O'Hara said he hoped Pope Leo would "build on the bold legacy of Pope Francis, speaking out against poverty, inequality and the climate emergency".

"I also hope he will show moral courage in confronting genocide, defending the most vulnerable, and challenging outdated orthodoxy, especially on the rights of minority communities."

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

"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," he said.

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."