First American Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV, a ‘Great Honor for Our Country’ – Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended his congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost following his historic election as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

In a statement released shortly after white smoke signaled the election of a new pope at the Vatican, Trump expressed pride in the milestone, celebrating the fact that Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy.

“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,” Trump wrote on his verified Facebook page.

He also expressed a desire to meet the new pontiff, describing the prospect as deeply significant: “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

The election of Pope Leo XIV comes after the death of Pope Francis, with 133 cardinals gathering in a solemn conclave at the Sistine Chapel. The choice of an American pope is unprecedented in the nearly 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.