U.S. President Donald Trump has celebrated the historic election of the first American pope, calling it a "great honour" for the United States.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025, and will now be known as Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old, who previously served as a missionary in Peru and was close to the former Pope Francis, becomes the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Trump shared his reaction on his Truth Social platform, 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.”
The newly elected pope greeted a cheering crowd from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, delivering his first message in Italian. His words: “Peace be with you,” were met with applause and joy by thousands of Catholics gathered in the square.
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a major milestone in the Church’s history, being the first time a pontiff hails from the United States.
