Japan welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s election with optimism and heartfelt recollection of his past visit to Nagasaki. Church leaders, government officials, and atomic bomb survivors have all shared praise for the new pontiff. Moreover, many expressed hopes that his leadership will advance peace and oppose nuclear weapons. Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, previously served as head of the Augustinian order. Therefore, Japan welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s election not just for his heritage, but for his global-minded spirituality.
During his visits to Nagasaki nearly 20 years ago, Pope Leo XIV met clergy and visited churches deeply linked to Japan’s Catholic history. In particular, Father Michael Hilden of Shiroyama Catholic Church remembers the visit with clarity and affection. He described the new pope as humble, compassionate, and devoted to peace. Additionally, Hilden emphasized that Japan needs a global religious voice that prioritizes humanity over nationality. For this reason, Japan welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s election as a beacon for both faith and diplomacy.
Likewise, Terumi Tanaka, a 93-year-old atomic bomb survivor, echoed those sentiments and praised the pope’s moral stance. He leads Nihon Hidankyo, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 for anti-nuclear advocacy. Tanaka believes Pope Leo will speak firmly against weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore, the survivor community continues to hold high regard for Pope Francis’ 2019 plea to abolish nuclear arms. As a result, hopes remain high that Pope Leo XIV will expand this legacy of peace.
Meanwhile, government leaders also reacted warmly to the announcement, seeing it as a chance for renewed partnership. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent formal congratulations and voiced hope for deeper collaboration. Similarly, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to joint efforts with the Holy See. In response to the election, officials may send former Prime Minister Taro Aso, a Catholic, to represent Japan at the inaugural Mass. Ultimately, Japan welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s election as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral spiritual and diplomatic ties.
At the same time, Catholic communities across Japan are preparing to celebrate this new era of papal leadership. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan described Pope Leo as a strong pastoral figure. Accordingly, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo will host a special Mass led by Cardinal Isao Kikuchi on May 16. Parishioners like Leticia Cagayat see the election as a spiritual turning point. Above all, many are praying that Pope Leo XIV will return to Japan with a renewed message of peace.
