Donald Trump has shared his official response following the historic election of the first American pope earlier today.
Just a day after the conclave began within the Sistine Chapel in Rome, a swift decision was reached by the College of Cardinals, who have officially chosen the successor to Pope Francis.
This afternoon (8 May), the iconic white smoke was seen rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling to onlookers that a new pontiff had been selected.
Though many had expected the next pope to be one of the frontrunners—Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, or Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke—the Church took an unexpected route, appointing an American for the first time in its history.
The new pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, Illinois, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Upon stepping onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the 69-year-old offered a heartfelt message to the gathered crowd: “May peace be with all of you.”
It didn’t take long for Donald Trump to comment on the unprecedented development, celebrating the moment as a point of national pride.
What did Donald Trump say about the new pope?
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said: “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!”
The announcement follows the death of former Pope Francis on Easter Monday (21 April), at age 88, after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and eventual heart failure.
Following his passing, a nine-day mourning period was observed while preparations were made to select the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Who is Pope Leo?
Ordained in 1982 at just 27 years old, Pope Leo shares many of the values upheld by his predecessor, including a strong dedication to supporting migrants and people facing poverty.
In an interview with the Vatican’s official news outlet last year, he remarked, “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.”
Though born in the United States, Pope Leo has spent much of his ministry abroad, visiting religious communities across the globe. He is fluent in both Italian and Spanish.
What strict rules do cardinals follow during the conclave?
During the conclave, cardinals stayed at the Casa de Santa Marta, a modest five-story guesthouse near St Peter’s Basilica. To ensure their decisions remained uninfluenced, they were entirely cut off from external communication.
Phones and newspapers were strictly prohibited to avoid any impact from outside information or media coverage.
Meanwhile, meals were prepared by Vatican nuns and served to the cardinals throughout the process. Typical dishes included meat skewers, pasta, potatoes, fish, and boiled vegetables. However, according to the BBC, certain foods like whole poultry and enclosed items such as pies and quiches were not allowed.
