President Donald Trump celebrated the new Pope Leo XIV after being elected Thursday, saying it was a “great honor” to have the American-born cardinal chosen to succeed Francis.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevast, who was just named Pope. It’s a great honor to realize he was the first American pope,” Trump said on his true social platform shortly after the white smoke emerged from the Vatican, indicating that white smoke had decided to lead the Catholic Church.
“It’s a great honor to realize he is the first American Pope. What excitement and what a wonderful honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevast, now Pope Leo XIV, President Donald Trump (Getty Images | Fox News)
Trump added to White House reporters that he was “a little surprised” by the Cardinal Prevost’s choice, but repeated multiple times what the selection was for America.
“How great is there?” Trump piled up on reporters. He also told them that the administration has already touched on the Vatican and that he hopes the president will make a visit to the new Pope in the future. It was not clear how quickly the meeting would take place.
Vice President J.D. Vice President J.D. V. Vance, a Catholic convert, also congratulated the new Pope on his choice on Thursday.
New York Bishop says Pope Leo XIV’s background is “incredibly useful.”
“Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope in his election!” Vance said in X.
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV will greet the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican on May 8, 2025 (Rema Casilli/Reuters)
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Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago and before the appointment of the Pope he served as the chief of the bishop for the bishop under Pope Francis. In addition to Prevost, New York City’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan emerged as a possible successor to Francis.
In his first speech, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics to live as missionaries, emphasizing that he hopes to become the builder of peace during the Pope. The new Pope also asked Catholics to bring peace to “all people” and help them participate in dialogue and “building the bridge.”
Anders Hagstrom from Fox News contributed to this report.
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