Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has made history by being elected as the first US-born pontiff.
President Donald Trump has shared his reaction to a significant moment in Catholic tradition: the election of a new pope. On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was announced as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Donald Trump during an executive order signing in the Oval Office in Washington, D.C. on February 11, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The 69-year-old, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Thursday evening, after he was elected.
His ascent to the position marks a significant moment for the Church and for the United States, as he becomes the first American to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Trump reacted to the historic moment on Truth Social, “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!”
His message was later reshared on X by the official White House account. However, the 78-year-old’s warm message came days after he drew criticism for posting an AI-generated image of himself as the pope.
In the image, Trump was shown unsmiling, dressed in traditional white papal garments and seated in an ornate chair, with his right finger raised. The image was also reshared by the White House’s X account, further fueling controversy.
The post came as Catholic faithful mourned the death of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, and awaited the election of his successor, prompting many to view it as tone-deaf.
Despite this earlier backlash, Donald Trump’s recent congratulatory post struck a more diplomatic tone, celebrating the American milestone for the Catholic Church and signaling hopes for a respectful relationship with the new pope.
Pope Leo XIV was greeted with cheers when he stepped onto the balcony following his election, and his first words to the Catholics gathered were, “Peace be with all of you!”
In his first speech, the pontiff explained the significance of his greeting, recalling the risen Christ’s first words to His disciples, “Peace be with you.”
Pope Leo XIV is seen on the Saint Peter’s Basilica balcony, at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
He likened his greeting to that of the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the flock of God. Pope Leo expressed a desire for this message of peace to resonate deeply with all people, reaching their hearts, families, and communities around the world.
He also took the opportunity to thank Pope Francis and his cardinal brothers who elected him, saying, “I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop. So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.” To the Church of Rome, he extended a special greeting.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent.
He grew up with his two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph, and began his religious formation early, studying at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers before enrolling at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. There, he earned a degree in Mathematics in 1977 and also studied Philosophy.
Pope Leo XIV at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
That same year, on September 1, Pope Leo entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in Saint Louis and made his first profession in 1978. He professed his solemn vows on August 29, 1981. The pontiff pursued theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
At 27, he was sent to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, in Rome, at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica, by Archbishop Jean Jadot.
Pope Leo XIV is seen on the Saint Peter’s Basilica balcony, on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
After obtaining his licentiate in 1984, Pope Leo was assigned to missionary work in Peru. He defended his doctoral thesis in 1987 and went on to hold several leadership roles within his Augustinian province.
His rise within the Church accelerated under the late Pope Francis, who appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, on November 3, 2014, and later named him Bishop of Chiclayo on September 26, 2015.
Pope Leo XIV, on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
In January 2023, Pope Leo was called to Rome to serve as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, receiving the rank of Archbishop.
Pope Francis elevated him to Cardinal in the consistory of September 30, 2023, assigning him the Diaconate of Saint Monica.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost / Source: Getty Images
He officially took possession of the title on January 28, 2024. That same year, he participated in major synodal assemblies and was appointed to several key Vatican dicasteries, further solidifying his role as a trusted figure within the Curia — and ultimately, as the Church’s first American pope.
Looking ahead, the pontiff has emphasized the need for the Church to focus on being a missionary, building bridges, and fostering dialogue. He stressed the importance of always being ready to receiving everyone with open arms, welcoming all those in need of charity, presence, dialogue, and love.
Pope Leo XIV | Source: Getty Images
The pope’s first address prompted swift and emotional responses online. One viewer wrote, “Goosebumps.” Another commented, “His words brought actual chills… peace and unity are exactly what our world needs right now. I have hope in this new chapter for the Church.”
The cardinals attend the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Some viewers saw broader implications in the pope’s message. One, referring to Trump, remarked, “And sent a message to Trump ! 🙏🏼💙✝️” Another echoed this sentiment, “He’s talking to you Donnie!”
Others responded with humor. One joked about how long it might take for Trump to try to “fire” the pope, referencing the US president’s well-known pattern of dismissing people.
President Donald Trump outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
A separate comment drew a contrast between the pope’s call to “build bridges” and Trump’s past message about building walls, suggesting a sharp difference in values. Another expressed concern that the speech sounded more progressive than expected and hoped the pope would uphold traditional Church teachings.
President Donald Trumptalks to reporters outside the White House in Washington, DC, on April 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Some highlighted the pope’s American background. One pointed out that although he was born in the US, he now serves the global Church. Another remarked that remembering his home country would have been meaningful, especially given the historic nature of his election.
Although Pope Leo has now stepped into a global role, his voice had already entered the U.S. political conversation before his election. In February 2025, he publicly responded to Vice President JD Vance in a post on his personal X account, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
The message, which linked to a National Catholic Reporter article, drew wide attention and reflected his emphasis on the inclusive nature of Christian compassion.
