Sensation in the Vatican! American Leo XIV the new pope! Trump: “It is a great honor for our country!”

It happened! Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This is a historic moment, because he is the first Pope from the United States. This election has sparked a flood of comments and reactions around the world – including from Donald Trump, the President of the United States.

There is a new pope

It happened! Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This is a historic moment, because he is the first Pope from the United States. This election has sparked a flood of commentary and reactions around the world. The election of 70-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This is a traditional moment that symbolizes the official announcement to the world of the new head of the Catholic Church.

Donald Trump’s reaction

The election of an American as pope has sparked an enthusiastic response from former US President Donald Trump . He did not hide his joy on social media. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been named pope. It is a great honor to realize that he is the first American pope. How exciting and what a great honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very significant moment!” Trump wrote on the Truth Social portal.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Cardinal Robert Prevost, or Pope Leo XIV, is a doctor of canon law and has held responsible positions in the Roman Curia for many years. Since 2023, he has headed the Dicastery for Bishops and, at the same time, he has chaired the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Before taking up high positions in the Vatican, he worked for years on missions in Peru. In Trujillo, he was, among other things, the prefect of the religious seminary. He gained international recognition as the superior general of the Augustinian order, which he headed from 2001 to 2013. In 2014, he was consecrated a bishop.

Nominations from Pope Francis

Pope Francis appreciated his experience and trust by appointing him on January 30, 2023, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Commission for Latin America, and elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. A few months later, on July 9, Prevost was created Cardinal Deacon and on February 6, 2025, Cardinal Bishop. His rich experience in both missionary work and in the structures of the Church make him an exceptional candidate to succeed Saint Peter. The election of Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV is certainly a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.