U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his excitement following the unprecedented election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. Through a post on social media, Trump highlighted the significance of this event for the United States and shared his hopes of soon meeting the new Pope.
"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been named Pope. It's truly an honor to recognize him as the first American Pope. What an exciting and great honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very important moment!" Trump stated on Facebook and his Truth Social platform.
With these remarks, the president emphasized not only the groundbreaking nature of the election but also the diplomatic and symbolic importance for the United States of having a pope born on American soil. It's worth noting that Trump had previously shown his preference for New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, one of the three American cardinals in the conclave. "There's a cardinal from a place called New York who's really good," he said, referring to Dolan, a well-known figure in the American Church.
New Pope's Dual Citizenship
The new Pope Leo XIV, originally named Robert Francis Prevost, is the first head of the Catholic Church from the United States and the second from the Americas, following his predecessor, Pope Francis. Much of his ecclesiastical career unfolded in Peru, where he held significant pastoral roles. This connection earned him Peruvian citizenship in 2015, adding an international dimension to his leadership.
Prevost was chosen as Pope after a swift election in the Sistine Chapel, securing the 89 votes needed to surpass the two-thirds threshold of the College of Cardinals, thus achieving this historic appointment.
Prevost's Journey in the Church
A member of the Order of St. Augustine, Prevost is part of a religious community focused on communal living, prayer, and service to those in need. His rise in the Catholic hierarchy was solidified by his appointment as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the department responsible for selecting new bishops before papal approval.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost has French and Italian paternal ancestry and a Spanish maternal background. He graduated in 1977 with a degree in Mathematical Sciences and a specialization in Philosophy. He served as the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America from January 2023 until 2025.
Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, Prevost also reads Latin and German.
Insights into the Election of Pope Leo XIV
Who is the first American Pope?
The first American Pope is Leo XIV, originally named Robert Francis Prevost.
What is significant about Prevost's election as Pope?
Prevost's election is historic as he is the first Pope from the United States, highlighting a significant diplomatic and symbolic milestone for the country.
What are Prevost's contributions to the Church before becoming Pope?
Prevost served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and his career included significant pastoral roles in Peru, showcasing his international influence.