Donald Trump, who had earlier joked about wanting to be pope himself and shared an image of him in papal robes, responded to the news with a light-hearted tone. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote:
“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 was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, with church leaders present for the momentous occasion.
Though Trump didn’t become the new pope, he seems pleased the title went to a fellow American. As the Vatican embraces a historic first, the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV.
