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The first American pope has been elected. President Donald Trump congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, on being named the 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, on Thursday, May 8.
"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," the president of the United States wrote on Truth Social. "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country."
"I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV," President Trump continued. "It will be a very meaningful moment!"
At the White House on Thursday, the 45th and 47th president of the U.S. reiterated that it's a great honor to have an American pope. "To have the pope from the United States of America, that's a great honor. That's a great honor," he said (via C-SPAN). He also admitted that they were a "little bit surprised," but "very happy." "Just an absolutely great honor," the president said.
Former President George W. Bush also reacted to the appointment of the first American Pope. In a statement, he said, "Laura and I are delighted to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to the papacy. This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world. We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God's love."
Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama wrote on X, "Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith."
The week before the conclave began, President Trump joked, via Reuters, "I'd like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice."
"No, I don't know. I have no preference," he added. "I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens.”
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who is said to be the first Catholic first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy, attended the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square last month. The 266th pope passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. Following the pope's death, President Trump posted on Truth Social: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
The first lady also mourned the death of Pope Francis, writing on X, "On this Easter Monday, we remember His Holiness, Pope Francis. I join millions of people around the world in mourning his loss. I will always cherish my trip to the Holy See in 2017. May he rest in peace."