Donald Trump Congratulates Pope Leo XIV: Celebrating First American Leader of the Catholic Church

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 12:07 am

**Trump Congratulates Pope Leo XIV: A Historic Moment for the Catholic Church**

In a historic turn of events, Donald Trump has congratulated Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church. The President took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his excitement following the Pope's first public appearance in St. Peter's Square.

"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope," Trump wrote, highlighting the significance of an American pontiff. "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!"

The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, came as a surprise to many. The conclave, which lasted only two days and four ballots, was shorter than anticipated, especially considering Prevost's American background. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Pope Leo XIV now joins a lineage of 267 popes, tracing back to St. Peter.

The choice of "Leo" as his papal name is particularly noteworthy. Some observers suggest it may be a nod to Pope Leo XIII, known for his influential encyclical *Rerum novarum*, which championed workers' rights. This choice could signal a focus on social justice and the rights of the working class.

During his first public address, Pope Leo XIV offered a blessing to the crowd in St. Peter's Square, speaking in Italian and Spanish. This historic moment marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, with an American at its helm.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, American Pope, Catholic Church, Conclave, St. Peter's Square, Rerum novarum, Leo XIII, Election, Chicago, Italian, Spanish, First American Pope, Trump, Pope, Catholic, Church, Vatican

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