'Moment of profound significance': PM Modi says Pope Leo XIV will advance ideals of peace, harmony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed felicitations to Cardinal Robert Prevost, the new Pope and successor to Pope Francis, the former pontiff who passed away on April 21.Prevost, a US missionary who is the 267th Pope, takes up the name "Pope Leo XIV.""I convey sincere felicitations and best wishes from the people of India to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. His leadership of the Catholic Church comes at a moment of profound significance in advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, solidarity and service. India remains committed to continued dialogue and engagement with the Holy See to further our shared values," PM Modi wrote on X.Leo XIV, who is 69, is the first to be Pope from the United States. The pontiff appeared on the St. Peter's balcony in the Vatican and greeted the crowds with, "May peace be with all of you.""Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. I want this message of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are," news agency ANI quoted the new Pope as saying.Paying tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, he urged the faithful to "move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other."The pontiff was elected by 133 cardinal electors who reached a two-thirds majority decision on who will succeed Pope Francis.