Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as pope
Some Ghanaians on social media have warmly received the news of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as the new pope, now officially known as Pope Leo XIV.
Many have shared messages of goodwill and extended their best wishes, expressing joy and optimism following his ascension.
Among those who publicly congratulated the new pontiff are notable political figures, including the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah; and the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah.
In his message, Assafuah offered prayers for Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope that his papacy would bring blessings to the world.
However, alongside the celebrations, some other Ghanaians have voiced disappointments that Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson of Ghana was not elected.
While welcoming the new Pope, several online commentators shared that they had hoped to witness a historic moment with the election of the first Black Pope — a hope that, unfortunately, was not realised.
Nonetheless, they have extended their goodwill messages.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election was confirmed on the second day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors convened in the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV’s election follows the death of Pope Francis, marking a historic moment as Prevost becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy.
His election was announced in traditional fashion through the white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new Pontiff had been chosen.
The 133 cardinals participating in the conclave were locked inside the Sistine Chapel, in line with centuries-old tradition.
During the voting process, their only form of communication with the outside world was through the smoke signals emitted after each ballot.
Pope Leo XIV, delivering his first public address and apostolic blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”), to thousands of pilgrims and onlookers gathered at St Peter’s Square, stated, “May peace be with all of you.”
He also paid tribute to his predecessor and also spoke briefly in Spanish to thank his former diocese.
“Help us, and help each other build bridges,” he told the crowd of more than 40,000 people at St Peter’s Square.
Read some of the posts under the trending topic below:
Warm Congratulations to the new Pope Leo XIV. @VaticanNews pic.twitter.com/V6Ldr0VoHg
— Patrick Yaw Boamah (@pyboamah) May 8, 2025
Will be interesting how the new Pope gets along with the US president
— Godfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) May 8, 2025
Church nu hia sika (needs money) and growth. Great choice! Now, l like the papacy! Welcome Pope Leo XIV!
— Franklin CUDJOE (@lordcudjoe) May 8, 2025
I extend warm congratulations to you on your election as Pope of the Holy Catholic Church.
May your reign be a blessing to the world.
All the best, Pope Leo XIV. pic.twitter.com/TtViBlRRtm
— Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Esq. MP (@ekowassafuah_) May 8, 2025
GIVE THANKS TO GOD.
WE HAVE A NEW POPE.
WE HAVE CONCLAVE
Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Prevost)
Peruvian American
Long live the Pope.
Long live the Universal Catholic Church pic.twitter.com/k06qKYWPCL— Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah (@PalgraveDanquah) May 8, 2025
How on earth would someone think that a black Pope will be chosen. Really? Race plays a big role in politics
— The New African 🦅 (@mcjoseph_writes) May 8, 2025
MAG/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Kwesi Pratt ‘threatens’ to fight Mahama if he ever attempt a third term