President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia welcomes the appeal for peace, tolerance and commitment of Pope Leo XIV to build bridges between nations through the Catholic faith. 

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah stated this in her congratulatory message to the new Pontiff following his election as head of the Catholic Church and the Vatican on Thursday. 

Furthermore, the President stated that she looks forward to working with Pope Leo XIV to advance shared values for a peaceful and just humanity.

Born Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, elected following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025.