NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended wishes to Pope Leo XIV and expressed India's commitment to continued dialogue and engagement with the Holy See to further shared values.

He noted that Pope Leo XIV's leadership of the Catholic Church comes at a moment of profound significance in advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, solidarity and service.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "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."

The Vatican conclave on Thursday chose a new Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost the first American pope, Vatican News said.The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel have elected 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV becomes the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon appeared on the St. Peter's balcony that overlooks the St Peter's square and announced, "Habemus Papam!" "We have a pope."

At the Vatican the doors on the balcony opened to reveal the new Pope who 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. May peace be with you," he said.

In his first comments in Italian, Pope Leo XIV said wants this message of peace to "Enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are."

Paying tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, he urged faithful to "move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other." The former leader of the Augustinian order also thanked fellow cardinals for choosing him for the role.