‘A great honor to our country’ – Trump congratulates first American Pope, Leo XIV

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has congratulated the newly elected Pope, Leo XIV.

Earlier it was reported that white smoke had risen from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, signalling the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.

Reacting, Trump, in a post on his Facebook page, expressed excitement and described the election as an honour to the American people.

He said, “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.”