Politics
JUST IN: Trump Reacts To Historic Election Of First American Pope
In a post on Truth Social Thursday, President Donald Trump offered praise and congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV—the first American in history to ascend to the papacy.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Trump wrote. “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!”
Prevost, 69, was elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave, comprised of 133 cardinal-electors, concluded its deliberations after four ballots over two days. At 6:07 p.m. local time, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen.
Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, Prevost delivered his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with a message of peace. “Peace be with you,” he told the crowd, pledging to build bridges and continue the path of reconciliation laid out by his predecessor.
WATCH:
Born in Chicago, Prevost brings a unique background to the role, having spent over a decade in Peru as a missionary priest and seminary leader. His international experience and fluency in Spanish have made him a respected figure within the global Church. Elevated to cardinal in 2023, Prevost most recently served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he oversaw global episcopal appointments—a role that significantly raised his profile ahead of the conclave.
His selection as pope stunned many Vatican-watchers, as attention before the conclave had largely focused on higher-profile figures such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. But the consensus that emerged behind Prevost underscores the College of Cardinals’ desire for a moderate, pastoral leader with administrative experience and missionary roots.
Vatican City, Italy 03.03.2025:Cardinal Robert Prevost, in front of the image of Mary Mother, leads the faithful in the recitation of the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Prevost himself has emphasized that his vocation has always been about service, no matter the role. “I still consider myself a missionary,” he said in a 2023 interview with Vatican News. “My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
The president had frequently clashed with Pope Francis over issues such as immigration and climate change. Still, Trump has maintained strong ties to conservative and traditionalist Catholic circles and praised the Church’s role in defending life, religious liberty, and the family.
Pope Leo XIV will inherit a Church at a crossroads—facing global persecution, doctrinal disputes, and declining attendance in many Western nations.
Adding to the challenge is the 2025 Jubilee Year, which is expected to bring millions of pilgrims to Rome. As the new pope assumes leadership, the tone he sets could shape the Church’s future for years to come.
