American-born Pope Leo XIV’s selection ‘a great honor’ for US, says Trump
President Donald Trump congratulated the new Pope Leo XIV after he was selected Thursday, noting it is “a great honor” for the United States that an American-born Cardinal was chosen to be Francis’ successor.
“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,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform shortly after white smoke emerged from the Vatican indicating the conclave had come to a decision on who will lead the Catholic Church.
“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!”
Trump added that he was “a little bit surprised” by the selection of Cardinal Prevost but reiterated multiple times what an honor the selection was for America.
“What greater honor could there be?” Trump posited to reporters. He also mentioned that the administration has already been in touch with the Vatican and expects to have the president visit the new pope in the future. The timing of the meeting was not specified.
Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert, also congratulated the new Pope on his selection Thursday.
“Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!” Vance said. “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago. Before his papal appointment, he served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, advising the pope on bishop appointments worldwide. New York City Cardinal Timothy Dolan was also considered a potential successor to Francis.
In his first address to congregants, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics to live as missionaries and stressed his desire to be a builder of peace during his papacy. He urged Catholics to assist him in bringing peace to all peoples, engaging in dialogue, and building bridges.
It is indeed a historic moment for the United States to have an American-born Cardinal ascend to the papacy. The selection of Pope Leo XIV signifies a new chapter for the Catholic Church, and both President Trump and Vice President Vance have expressed their excitement and support for the new pontiff. The world watches eagerly as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy and works towards promoting peace and unity among all nations.
