In a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church and the United States, President Donald Trump extended his heartfelt congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American-born cardinal has ascended to the papacy.

President Trump expressed his sentiments on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, "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!"

Pope Leo XIV, 69, hails from Chicago and holds dual citizenship with the United States and Peru. Before his election, he served as the head of the Vatican’s office of bishops and spent a significant portion of his ecclesiastical career in Peru, where he was known for his pastoral work and commitment to social justice.

The election of an American pope has been met with widespread acclaim across the United States and Latin America. Leaders from various countries, including Peru, Mexico, and Colombia, have lauded the appointment, highlighting Pope Leo XIV's deep connections to the region and his dedication to building bridges between diverse communities.

President Trump's enthusiastic response underscores the significance of this historic event for the United States, reflecting a sense of national pride and anticipation for the new pontificate. As the world looks to Pope Leo XIV's leadership, there is a shared hope for unity, compassion, and a renewed commitment to addressing global challenges through faith and dialogue.