Jakarta, May 9 -- Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his appointment as the highest leader of the world's Catholics and expressed appreciation for his first message after being confirmed as the 267th Pope.

"The message of peace from Pope Leo XIV in his inaugural speech is worthy of our appreciation. It is a universal message that we must strive for together for a more peaceful world in the future," he noted in a statement on Friday.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected through the conclave process that began on May 7, 2025.

He chose the papal name Pope Leo XIV and was elected as the new head of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025...