U.S. President Donald Trump extended his congratulations on Thursday to Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost of Chicago, following his historic election as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
Trump celebrated the news on his social media platform, calling the moment “a great honor for our country” and expressing his eagerness to meet the newly elected pontiff. “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” he wrote. “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, 2025, shortly after his election was announced to the world. The former Cardinal from Chicago was widely respected within Vatican circles, having served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and held key pastoral roles across Latin America and the U.S.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic milestone for the Catholic Church and the United States, as it is the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The news has sparked celebration among American Catholics and religious leaders, who see his appointment as a symbol of growing global influence within the U.S. Catholic community.
As the 268th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Leo XIV is expected to address pressing global issues including secularism, interfaith dialogue, and Church reform. His election is already being hailed as a transformative moment in modern Church history, bridging American leadership with centuries of Vatican tradition.
The Vatican has not yet announced a date for the first official meeting between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump. However, anticipation is building as the world awaits the new pontiff’s vision for the future of the Catholic Church.