President Donald Trump on May 8 congratulated Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops under the late Pope Francis, who was elected the 267th pope the same day, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
In a post on his social media website Truth Social, Trump noted Pope Leo will be the first American pontiff in the Church’s history.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Trump wrote. “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 added, “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
In comments to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “It’s such a great honor for our country, an American pope, and what greater honor can there be.”
Trump called himself “a little bit surprised” but repeated it was a “great honor.”
