President Trump stated that the election of the first American cardinal as the Catholic pope is a "great honor" for the United States.
The 267th pope of the Catholic Church, elected on the 8th, is Pope Leo XIV, originally named Roberto Francisco Prevost, who was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. After ordination, he served for many years in Peru and took on management duties within his order, holding dual citizenship of the United States and Peru.
Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV on social media, calling it "a tremendous honor for our country."
"Witnessing the first American-born pope is truly a great privilege."
Later, speaking to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House about the new pope from Chicago, Trump said, "The United States now has a pope. What greater honor could there be? We're a little surprised but very delighted."