President of the United States Donald Trump welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 8, calling it a “Great Honor” for the Americans. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is the first pontiff from US. He replaces late Pope Francis, who hailed from Argentina. ALSO READ: New Pope Leo XIV is from USA “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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!” 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!... pic.twitter.com/q6kNcSOqAT — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 8, 2025 ALSO READ: Rwandan church welcomes Pope Leo XIV with joy, surprise Following white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the unveiling of the new pope was met with cheers and applause from the thousands of faithful who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Bells tolled from the iconic basilica, confirming that the 133 cardinal electors had reached at least two-thirds majority decision on the successor of Pope Francis, who died on April 21. He appeared at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and from there, he delivered his first public message. The American becomes the head of the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion followers.
