Kuala Lampur, May 10 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday (May 9) extended his congratulations to Catholics in Malaysia and around the world following after Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope by 133 cardinals in a secret conclave on Thursday, becoming the first pontiff from the United States

Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV.

In a Facebook post, Anwar said the occasion marked a significant new chapter for the global Catholic community, and expressed confidence that it would bring renewed purpose and inspiration.

"Malaysia values its ties with the Holy See, and we look forward to continued engagement rooted in mutual respect, dialogue, and our shared commitment to peace and human dignity," he said.

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