• Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first American to hold the position.
  • President Trump expresses enthusiasm for the new pontiff, calling it a "very meaningful moment."
  • The election follows Pope Francis's death and a conclave that included 10 U.S. cardinals among the voters.

Historic Election of an American Pope

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, becoming the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American to ascend to the papacy. The announcement, made on the second day of the conclave, was met with cheers from crowds in St. Peter’s Square. Prevost, a Chicago native, has spent decades in ecclesiastical service, rising through the ranks to this unprecedented milestone.

Trump’s Reaction and Political Context

President Donald Trump, who recently marked his first 100 days back in office, welcomed the news, stating he "looks forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV" and calling it a "very meaningful moment." Trump had previously joked about wanting to be pope himself during an April 29 press briefing, quipping it was his "number one choice." Senator Lindsey Graham humorously endorsed the idea on social media, suggesting a "Pope-U.S. President combination" had merits.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended Pope Francis’s funeral last month, where the president also held a private discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The new pope’s election comes at a time of global scrutiny for the Catholic Church, with Prevost’s American background adding a unique dimension to Vatican diplomacy.

The Conclave and U.S. Influence

The 2025 conclave featured 10 U.S. cardinals among the electors, including high-profile figures like Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, whom Trump had previously praised as a strong candidate. While the process traditionally favors non-American candidates, Prevost’s election signals a shift in the Church’s global dynamics. Analysts suggest his leadership could bridge divides between the Vatican and U.S. policymakers, particularly on issues like religious freedom and international aid.

Correction: An earlier version misstated the number of U.S. cardinals in the conclave. There were 10, not 11.