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Donald Trump has reacted to the historic election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the first American pope on social media.
The election of Cardinal Prevost - now Pope Leo XIV - was confirmed earlier today (8 May) after white smoke was seen erupting from the chimney of the Vatican City's Sistine Chapel. The papal conclave officially began on 7 May, with black smoke erupting from the chimney several times before the cardinals elected Pope Leo XIV.
The newly elected pontiff appeared on the balcony for the first time in his new robes shortly after the announcement and delivered a speech to cheering crowds gathered to mark the moment.
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He uttered his first words to the crowds after appearing on the balcony at of St. Peter's Basilica, which included the phrase 'Peace be with all you'.
Pope Leo XIV takes over the role as head of the Catholic church from Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday after spending several months battling illness.
His election marks a historic moment for US, as the 69-year-old is now the first ever American to assume the position.
Keen to cash in on the moment was President Trump, who wasted no time in referring to the election of Pope Leo XIV as a 'great honour' for America.
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"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope," he wrote his Truth Social platform.
"What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
President Trump previously attracted controversy during following the death of Pope Francis after he shared an AI generated image of himself as the pope, complete with a cross necklace and mitre hat — an image which was branded 'extremely disrespectful' and 'blasphemous'.
Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has spent much of his life abroad, serving as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023 as well as the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
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He first travelled to Peru in 1985 after joining the Order of St. Augustine and has spent around two decades living in the country. According to The New York Times, he is also a naturalised citizen of the South American country.
