WASHINGTON (OSV News) — President Donald Trump on May 8 congratulated Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, who was elected the 267th pope the same day, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
In a post on his social media website Truth Social, Trump noted Pope Leo will be the first American pontiff in the church’s history.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Trump wrote. “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
Trump added, “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Trump, who attended the funeral Mass for the late Pope Francis on April 26, stirred controversy in the days leading up to the conclave by posting an image that appeared to be created by artificial intelligence depicting himself as pope to the White House’s social media account.
In comments to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “It’s such a great honor for our country, an American pope, and what greater honor can there be.”
Trump called himself “a little bit surprised” but repeated it was a “great honor.”
Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.
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