President Donald Trump Reacts to the Appointment of the New Pope Leo XIV – Details
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has made history by being elected as the first US-born pontiff.
President Donald Trump has shared his reaction to a significant moment in Catholic tradition: the election of a new pope. On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was announced as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Thursday evening, after he was elected.
His ascent to the position marks a significant moment for the Church and for the United States, as he becomes the first American to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Trump reacted to the historic moment on Truth Social, “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!”
His message was later reshared on X by the official White House account. However, the 78-year-old’s warm message came days after he drew criticism for posting an AI-generated image of himself as the pope.
The image showed Trump in traditional white papal garments, seated in an ornate chair, which sparked controversy, especially as it was reshared by the White House’s X account.
Despite the earlier backlash, Trump seemed to strike a more harmonious note with his recent congratulatory message, spotlighting the notable achievement for the Catholic Church and the United States.
Pope Leo XIV was greeted with cheers when he stepped onto the balcony following his election, and his first words to the Catholics gathered were, “Peace be with all of you!”
In his first speech, the pontiff explained the significance of his greeting, recalling the risen Christ’s first words to His disciples, “Peace be with you.”
He likened the greeting to that of the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the flock. Pope Leo expressed a heartfelt desire for this message of peace to reach across families and communities worldwide.
Pope Leo took a moment to thank Pope Francis and the cardinals who elected him, expressing his dedication to guiding the Church forward.
Notably born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Pope Leo is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. His early life was deeply rooted in his faith, having studied religious courses from a young age.
After pursuing studies in mathematics and philosophy, Pope Leo embarked on his religious journey, entering the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977.
He advanced his education in theology and canon law, eventually becoming a priest, following a path that led him from missionary work in Peru to leadership roles within the Church.
Pope Leo’s career rose significantly under Pope Francis, who appointed him to key positions, including Bishop of Chiclayo and later a cardinal, cementing his influence within the Church.
As he assumes his role as Pope, his mission includes fostering dialogue and unity, striving to build bridges and offer a welcoming embrace to all.
The pope’s inaugural address resonated widely, eliciting emotional and positive responses from around the world, inspiring hope for peace and unity in these challenging times.
His message even spurred public reflection on broader socio-political issues, with some comparing it to contemporary American politics.
Despite criticisms from the earlier Trump image incident, Pope Leo’s emphasis on inclusivity and love struck a chord with many faithful, promising a hopeful new chapter for the Catholic Church.
As Pope Leo steps into this esteemed position, his connections to his American roots remain a point of pride for many, illustrating the interconnectedness of global faith.
Pope Leo XIV’s vision for the Church is clear: a call for embrace, dialogue, and love in a world often divided, offering hope and inspiration.
