Trump hails Pope Leo XIV’s election as first American pontiff despite past friction

US president Donald Trump on Thursday congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on becoming Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the event as a “great honour” for the United States and added, “What excitement, and what a great honor for our country.”

Prevost, 69, originally from Chicago, took the name Leo XIV after being elected by the College of Cardinals. Speaking outside the White House, Trump told reporters, “We were watching, and they said he’s from the United States of America, and I said ‘That’s great.’”Trump also said Vatican officials had already reached out about a potential meeting, though no date has been confirmed. Despite Trump’s warm remarks, Pope Leo’s verified social media account has previously shared content critical of Trump’s policies. In April, it reposted a message condemning mass deportations during his presidency. Another post from February criticised Trump’s Vice President JD Vance over his religious interpretations.