WASHINGTON, USA — President Donald Trump on Thursday, May 8, 2025, extended congratulations to Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric newly elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American-born pope in the Roman Catholic Church’s history.
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“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, was elected by the College of Cardinals on the second day of the papal conclave, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88.
His election was announced traditionally via white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling consensus among the cardinals.
While Trump celebrated the election as a patriotic milestone, Pope Leo XIV’s previous social media activity suggests a more critical stance toward the Trump administration.
A verified X (formerly Twitter) account associated with Prevost had shared posts in recent months expressing disapproval of certain U.S. government policies and officials:
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In February, the account reposted an article criticizing Vice President JD Vance for misinterpreting Jesus’ teachings, titled, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
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In April, another repost condemned Trump-era immigration actions, quoting Bishop Evelio Menjivar: “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”
These posts highlight the likely ideological tensions that may emerge between the Trump White House and the newly elected pontiff, particularly around issues such as immigration and social justice.
Notably, just days ago, Trump raised eyebrows by posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, shortly after Pope Francis’ funeral, an act that drew widespread criticism from Catholics and commentators alike for its perceived insensitivity.
