Donald Trump has responded to the historic election of the first American pope, expressing his excitement over the appointment of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.
The former U.S. President took to Truth Social shortly after the announcement on May 8, congratulating the new pontiff and reflecting on the significance of the moment.
“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.”
Pope Leo XIV, a 69-year-old Chicago native, was elected by the conclave following the death of Pope Francis and now serves as the leader of the global Catholic Church.
Despite Trump’s warm welcome, the Pope’s past comments about the Trump administration are now resurfacing, potentially complicating the former president’s congratulatory tone.
Before his papacy, Pope Leo XIV was a vocal critic of several Trump-era policies, particularly those involving immigration and family separation.
