Brazil’s Lula Congratulates US Cardinal Pope Leo XIV, Seeks Continuity of Francis’s Social Legacy During Moscow Visit

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States, who succeeded Pope Francis. Lula expressed his hope that Pope Leo XIV would continue the social and diplomatic legacy established by Francis. The Brazilian government views the new pope as aligned with Francis's priorities, particularly regarding the Church's strong social engagement and emphasis on dialogue. Lula made these remarks while attending the 80th anniversary celebrations of Nazi Germany's surrender in Moscow. The Brazilian administration is also considering a potential meeting between Lula and Pope Leo XIV, possibly during Lula's upcoming trip to China, with a planned stopover in Rome. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov described Brazil as a priority partner amid Lula's engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Moscow visit.