On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church made history by electing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in its 2,000-year history. The announcement, marked by white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel, captivated the world, with cheers erupting in St. Peter’s Square. U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his outspoken social media presence, reacted swiftly on Truth Social, congratulating Prevost and calling his election a “great honor for our country.” Trump’s response, laced with his characteristic flair and a playful jest about wanting to be pope himself, underscored the event’s significance for American Catholics and global diplomacy. This article explores the historic conclave, Prevost’s journey to the papacy, Trump’s reaction, and the worldwide impact of Pope Leo XIV’s election.

The Conclave and Election

The papal conclave, a centuries-old tradition, convened on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88. A record 133 cardinals, the most diverse in history, gathered in the Sistine Chapel to select the 267th pontiff. The process, shrouded in secrecy, required a two-thirds majority—89 votes—to elect a new pope. After an inconclusive first day marked by black smoke, the second day’s voting culminated in white smoke at 6:07 p.m., signaling a decision. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced “Habemus Papam” from St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. The swift election, lasting just over 24 hours, suggested Prevost’s strong support among cardinals, despite initial speculation favoring figures like Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

Prevost’s selection broke a long-standing taboo against American popes, attributed to the U.S.’s geopolitical dominance. His global experience, particularly in Peru, and his role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, likely eased concerns about his nationality. The choice of the name Leo, evoking Pope Leo XIII’s social reforms and Leo I’s diplomatic strength, signaled Prevost’s intent to blend tradition with progress.

Pope Leo XIV: A Chicago Native with Global Roots

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family of French, Spanish, and Italian descent. Raised in south suburban Dolton, he was active in his parish, with his parents deeply involved in church life. Prevost graduated from Villanova University in 1977 with a mathematics degree and later studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Ordained in 1982, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine, a religious community emphasizing communal life and service, becoming its prior general from 2001 to 2013.

Prevost’s career was shaped by his missionary work in Peru, where he served for over two decades, including as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, earning the nickname “Latin Yankee” in Rome. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful role overseeing global bishop nominations, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His multilingual skills—fluency in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese—enhanced his global influence. Prevost’s alignment with Francis’s progressive reforms, such as including women in bishop selection, positioned him as a continuity candidate, though his moderate temperament appealed to diverse cardinals.

Trump’s Enthusiastic Reaction

President Donald Trump, fresh from his second inauguration, seized the moment to celebrate Pope Leo XIV’s election. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “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!” The post, shared hours after the announcement, reflected Trump’s pride in the U.S.’s new role in global Catholicism.

Trump’s reaction was not without context. Days earlier, he had jokingly told reporters he’d “like to be pope” after attending Francis’s funeral, a comment that drew criticism when paired with an AI-generated image of himself in papal attire. Despite this, his congratulatory message struck a diplomatic tone, emphasizing national pride. Speaking to reporters, Trump admitted he was “a little bit surprised” but “very happy” about Prevost’s election, noting that the Vatican had already reached out to arrange a meeting. His enthusiasm resonated with American Catholics, who make up one-fifth of the U.S. population, and aligned with his administration’s focus on religious liberty.

However, Prevost’s past social media activity hinted at potential tensions. As a cardinal, he had reposted critiques of Trump’s immigration policies, including a 2017 article by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and a National Catholic Reporter piece criticizing Vice President JD Vance. These posts suggested Prevost’s progressive leanings on social issues, which could influence future U.S.-Vatican dialogues.

Global and Local Responses

The election of Pope Leo XIV sparked widespread celebration. In Peru, where Prevost is a citizen, church bells rang in Lima, and Chiclayo’s faithful rejoiced. “For us Peruvians, it is a source of pride that this is a pope who represents our country,” said Isabel Panez, a Lima schoolteacher. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called it a “historic moment,” praising Prevost’s service to the needy.

In Chicago, Holy Name Cathedral tolled its bells, and locals expressed pride in their hometown pope. Former President Barack Obama, a fellow Chicagoan, tweeted, “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” calling it a “historic day.” Former President Joe Biden, a Catholic, wrote, “Habemus papam – May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.” Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated Prevost, emphasizing his role in guiding the Church.

Globally, leaders like Canadian Prime Minister Carney and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Prevost’s election, anticipating continued Vatican cooperation on issues like peace and sustainability. However, some, like Rebecca Tabiani, an American in Rome, expressed reservations, citing the U.S.’s global influence as a reason to prefer a non-American pope.

Controversies and Challenges

Prevost’s papacy is not without challenges. Allegations surfaced about his handling of clergy sexual abuse cases in Chicago and Chiclayo, including claims he failed to investigate accusations against priests. The Vatican denied wrongdoing, but these issues could resurface as he navigates the Church’s ongoing abuse crisis.

Additionally, Prevost inherits a Church divided over Francis’s reforms, such as blessings for same-sex couples and environmental advocacy. His moderate stance and emphasis on unity—evident in his first words, “Peace be with you”—suggest a diplomatic approach, but balancing progressive and conservative factions will test his leadership.

Conclusion

The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, breaking the American pope taboo and elevating a figure with deep ties to both the U.S. and Latin America. Donald Trump’s enthusiastic reaction on Truth Social, coupled with his desire to meet Prevost, highlights the diplomatic and cultural weight of this milestone. As Prevost steps into his role, his global experience, pastoral heart, and commitment to unity will shape the Church’s future. For American Catholics, his papacy is a source of pride; for the world, it’s a chance to see how a “Latin Yankee” navigates the complexities of leading 1.4 billion faithful in a polarized era.