The President of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed his enthusiasm upon learning about the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
In a post on his social media, Trump emphasized the significance of the event for his country and expressed his desire to meet with the new Pope soon.
"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been appointed Pope. It is an honor to learn that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a great honor for our country. I hope to meet Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very important moment!" he said on Facebook and on his platform Truth Social.
With these words, the president emphasized not only the pioneering nature of the election but also the diplomatic and symbolic significance that having a pontiff born on its territory holds for the United States.
It is important to remember that Trump had shown his favoritism for the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan, one of the three American cardinals in the conclave.
"There is a cardinal from a place called New York who is very good," he said, referring to Dolan, a well-known figure in the American Church.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated Cardinal Prevost on his election as the successor of St. Peter.
"May God grant him wisdom, courage, and grace in the exercise of his sacred ministry," he wrote on X.
A pontiff with dual citizenship
The new Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost 69 years ago, becomes the first highest leader of the Catholic Church from the United States and the second from the American continent, following his predecessor, Pope Francis.
A significant part of his ecclesiastical career took place in Peru, where he held important pastoral responsibilities. This connection earned him Peruvian nationality in 2015, a detail that highlights the international dimension of his papacy.
Prevost was elected Pope after a swift election in the Sistine Chapel. Following four ballots, he secured the 89 votes needed to surpass the two-thirds threshold of the College of Cardinals and achieved the historic appointment.
Trajectory in the Church
Prevost is a member of the Order of Augustinians, a religious community that follows the Rule of St. Augustine, focusing on communal life, prayer, and service to those in need.
His rise in the Catholic hierarchy was solidified when he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the department responsible for selecting new bishops prior to papal approval.
He was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. His father had French and Italian ancestry, and his mother was Spanish. He has two brothers. He holds a degree in Mathematical Sciences, along with a specialization in Philosophy.
He was president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America from January 2023 until 2025.
Speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Latin, and reads German.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Election of Pope Leo XIV and Trump's Reaction
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV?
The new Pope Leo XIV is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first Pope from the United States. Although he was born in that country, much of his ecclesiastical career took place in Peru, where he also acquired Peruvian citizenship. Prevost is a member of the Order of Augustinians and has held significant roles in the Roman Curia as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Why is the election of an American Pope historic?
The election of an American Pope is historic because it marks the first time a pontiff of the Catholic Church comes from the United States. This holds significant symbolic meaning for the country and also reflects an international dimension, as the new Pope has close ties with Latin America and Europe, which could influence the policies and approaches of the Vatican.
How has Donald Trump reacted to the election of the new Pope?
Donald Trump reacted enthusiastically to the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Trump expressed his excitement and pride at having an American Pope and indicated his desire to meet him soon. This reaction highlights the diplomatic and symbolic importance that this appointment holds for the United States.
What impact could the papacy of Leo XIV have on the Catholic Church?
The papacy of Leo XIV could have a significant impact on the Catholic Church, given his international experience and commitment to social evangelization. His background in the Augustinian Order and in the Roman Curia, as well as his focus on community life and service to the most needy, could influence the direction the Church takes under his leadership.
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