On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American to lead the Catholic Church. President Donald Trump responded enthusiastically to the news, calling it “a great honor for our Country” and expressing his eagerness to meet the new pontiff.news+13People.com+13Time+13CBS News+2Time+2Town & Country+2
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:CBS News+1Town & Country+1
“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!” Time+3Town & Country+3CBS News+3
Despite Trump’s public congratulations, Pope Leo XIV’s past criticisms of Trump’s policies have sparked mixed reactions among Trump’s supporters. Before his papacy, Prevost had expressed opposition to Trump’s immigration policies, including the refugee ban and family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border. He also criticized Trump’s meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who offered to detain criminals deported from the U.S. newsWikipedia
These positions have led some pro-Trump figures and supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement to express concern. Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk questioned whether Pope Leo XIV was a “pro-life warrior” or an “open borders globalist installed to counter Trump.” news+1Reuters+1Reuters
Nevertheless, Trump’s initial reaction remains positive, highlighting the significance of an American ascending to the papacy. He emphasized the honor it brings to the United States and his anticipation of meeting Pope Leo XIV. CBS News+1Fox News+1Time+5Fox News+5Town & Country+5
Pope Leo XIV, 69, was born in Chicago and began his religious service there before working in Peru, where he also holds citizenship. Prior to his election, he served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. ABC News+4People.com+4CBS News+4
As the Catholic Church embarks on this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, the intersection of religious and political perspectives continues to shape the global discourse.
