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The United States is celebrating a historic milestone following the election of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. President Donald Trump hailed the appointment of Pope Leo XIV as a “great honour” for the country, joining a chorus of political leaders from across the aisle in praising the momentous development.
Robert Francis Prevost, 69, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago and studied near Philadelphia before embarking on a missionary path in Peru. His rise to the papacy has sparked widespread admiration, particularly in the United States, which is home to the fourth-largest Catholic population globally.
President Trump, when asked for his thoughts on the new pope, responded enthusiastically: “To have the Pope from America is a great honour.”
Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, shared his support on social media, stating, “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church.”
President Joe Biden, only the second Catholic to hold the office, also extended heartfelt congratulations. In a message posted on social media, Biden wrote, “Habemus papam – May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.” The president has often spoken fondly of his relationship with Pope Francis, making this new chapter personally meaningful.
Former President Barack Obama, who also has roots in Chicago, took to X (formerly Twitter) with a message of unity and reverence. “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
George W. Bush and his wife Laura described the announcement as both “historic and hopeful.” In a statement, Bush said, “We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic Church, serve the neediest, and share God’s love.”
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed similar sentiments, posting, “May God bless the first American papacy in these historic days.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a practicing Catholic, emphasized the broader global significance of the moment. “This is a moment of profound significance for the Catholic Church,” he noted, highlighting how the first American pope offers “renewed hope and continuity amid the 2025 Jubilee Year to over a billion faithful worldwide.” Rubio added that the United States is eager to strengthen its longstanding relationship with the Holy See.
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