Trump Offers Congratulations to First American Pope Cardinal Robert Prevost

Trump Offers Congratulations to First American Pope Cardinal Robert Prevost – In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, has been chosen as the new pope—making history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The decision came after a two-day conclave, and reactions have been pouring in from around the world, including from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters near the White House on Thursday, Trump shared that his administration had already received communication from the Vatican regarding a future meeting. “They’ve already called. It’s a great honor for the United States,” he remarked.

ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Catholic Church Welcomes New Pope – Leo XIV

Trump also posted his congratulations on Truth Social, writing, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

Vice President JD Vance, currently the highest-ranking Catholic in the U.S. government, echoed those sentiments, taking to social media to say, “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”

Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, was born in Chicago but has strong ties to Peru, where he spent many years working among marginalized communities. He most recently served as the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. However, his clerical record has not been without controversy, including past allegations of inaction on cases involving abusive priests.

His election follows the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Relations between the late pontiff and the Trump administration were often strained, most recently highlighted by Francis’ criticism of the U.S. immigration crackdown earlier this year.

Adding fuel to ongoing debates, Trump’s team recently shared an AI-generated image portraying him as the pope—a move that attracted criticism. Nonetheless, Trump brushed off the backlash, saying, “The Catholics loved it.”