President Donald Trump posted a statement on his Truth Social page Thursday, in reaction to the news that a new pope had been selected to lead the Catholic church.
The newly-chosen pope has been identified as Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, from Chicago, Illinois. He is the first-ever American pope, and has chosen to now be identified as Pope Leo XIV.
“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. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Trump wrote soon after the announcement was made.
President Trump was raised Presbyterian, and now identifies as non-denominational Christian. First Lady Melania Trump is Catholic.
Vice President JD Vance also posted a statement on X: “Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
As a child, Vance was raised mostly by his grandmother, who was a Christian and liked Rev. Billy Graham, but did not attend church regularly, as she reportedly didn’t like “organized religion.”
When he was a teen, Vance reconnected with his father, and attended a Pentecostal church with him. Vance converted to Catholic in 2019.
Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!
— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 8, 2025
Speaking to reporters outside the White House Thursday afternoon, President Trump again commented on the new pope.
A reporter asked the president if he planned to meet with the pope, and Trump confirmed that he would, and said, “They’ve already called us.”
Trump said it was “a great honor” that an American pope was chosen.
President Trump on Pope Leo XIV: “To have the pope from the United States of America, that’s a great honor.” pic.twitter.com/0PzT89cpej
— CSPAN (@cspan) May 8, 2025
President @realDonaldTrump steps outside the West Wing and the media flocks 🤣 pic.twitter.com/CFebYw4ef6
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 8, 2025
BREAKING: Robert Prevost has been elected the first American pope in history. He’ll take the name Leo XIV. https://t.co/OcftGmUghy pic.twitter.com/32pz9aaqQz
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 8, 2025
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