Trump Celebrates Election of First American Pope, Leo XIV
President Donald Trump expressed enthusiastic approval following the announcement of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to hold the position. Standing before reporters at the West Wing portico of the White House on Thursday afternoon, the former president hailed the event as a significant honor for the United States.
"What greater honor could there be?" Trump remarked, his tone conveying genuine excitement. He emphasized the unexpected yet welcomed nature of the news. "We were a little bit surprised, but very happy. It’s just a great, absolutely great honor," he reiterated, underscoring the historical weight of the moment.
The news of Pope Leo XIV’s election broke as white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the College of Cardinals had reached a decision. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti formally announced Cardinal Prevost’s selection to the throngs of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The 133 voting cardinals had deliberated for approximately 24 hours within the confines of the Sistine Chapel before arriving at their momentous choice.
Trump also took to his Truth Social platform to share his congratulations and amplify his sentiment. "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," he wrote, mirroring his verbal enthusiasm. He further added, "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country," punctuating his message with an exclamation of patriotic pride.
The former president conveyed his anticipation for a future meeting with the newly elected pontiff. "I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment," he stated, hinting at the potential significance of a future encounter between the two figures.
However, President Trump remained tight-lipped when pressed by reporters about the possibility of inviting Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House. He refrained from providing any definitive answers or timelines regarding a potential papal visit, leaving the matter open to speculation.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is a 69-year-old Augustinian friar. Following his election, he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, donning the traditional red cape of the papacy. Notably, this was a garment that Pope Francis had opted not to wear upon his own election in 2013, adding a layer of distinction to Pope Leo XIV’s initial appearance.
The election of an American pope marks a watershed moment in the history of the Catholic Church. While the church has a global reach and diverse membership, the selection of an American to lead the world’s Catholics carries particular weight. It potentially signals a shift in the church’s focus, or at least a greater emphasis on the perspectives and experiences of American Catholics.
The fact that President Trump so readily and enthusiastically embraced the news is also noteworthy. While the relationship between political leaders and the papacy has often been complex and nuanced, Trump’s unambiguous celebration of Pope Leo XIV’s election suggests a potential desire for a positive rapport with the Vatican under its new leadership.
The appointment of Pope Leo XIV introduces a new dynamic to the Catholic Church, and one that is certain to generate considerable scrutiny and commentary in the coming months and years. The selection of an American leader is a testament to the church’s ability to adapt to change. How Pope Leo XIV will guide the Church, and the influence it will have on the global stage, remains to be seen.
The reaction of the former President Trump to this monumental event is a clear indicator of how the global event has been accepted by leaders. The next few months will be crucial to see how the election of the first American Pope will go.
