U.S. President Donald J. Trump has extended his congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost following his election as the first American pope, calling it “a Great Honor for our Country.”
In a statement shared on Thursday, Trump praised the historic elevation of Cardinal Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—highlighting the pride it brings to the United States.
“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. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.”
Cardinal Prevost, a native of Chicago and a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis in April. His election has been widely celebrated across the United States, with many viewing it as a milestone in the global representation of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV, known for his work in Latin America and his leadership within the Vatican as Prefect for the Dicastery of Bishops, has pledged to uphold the Church’s mission of unity, peace, and compassion.
Trump’s congratulatory message adds to a wave of global reactions, including those from world leaders and religious communities across the globe. As the first pope from the United States, Leo XIV’s election marks a significant chapter in Church history and the growing influence of the American Catholic community.
