President Donald Trump praised the historic election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, calling it a “great honor” for the United States.
Pope Leo XIV, 69, was born in Chicago and studied near Philadelphia before working as a missionary in Peru. His election marks the first time an American has led the Catholic Church, sparking celebrations across the U.S..
Vice President JD Vance, who became Catholic in 2019, said millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for the pope’s leadership. Former President Joe Biden, the second Catholic U.S. president, posted, “Habemus papam — May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.”
Barack Obama, who launched his political career in Chicago, called it a historic day and said he and Michelle Obama are praying for the new pope as he begins his leadership. George W. Bush described the moment as “historic and hopeful,” adding that he and Laura Bush are praying for the pope’s success.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also congratulated the new pope and called this a historic moment for the Church. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the global importance of the election, calling it a moment of profound significance that offers hope to over a billion Catholics worldwide. Rubio added that the United States looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.
As a cardinal, Pope Leo XIV occasionally expressed views critical of U.S. policies. His social media account reposted comments criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration measures and shared articles pushing back against remarks made by Vice President Vance on immigration.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic milestone for American Catholics and the global Catholic Church, launching a new chapter of leadership during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
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