U.S. leaders congratulate first American Pope Leo XIV
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Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for the first time in The Vatican on May 8. Photo: Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images
Federal and local U.S. leaders congratulated Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, shortly after the announcement that an American would lead the Catholic Church.
Why it matters: The new pope, in addition to his religious role, is now a global diplomat, with influence that will reach far beyond Catholicism.
Driving the news: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Leo XIV, was elected by the papal conclave on Thursday during the second day of voting.
- Born in Chicago, he's the first pontiff from the U.S. in history.
White House
President Trump said he looked forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.
- "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope."
- "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country."
Vice President Vance also congratulated the new pope, posting on X, "I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the pope and said it's a moment of "renewed hope and community. "
- "Jeanette and I are united in prayer for His Holiness, may the Holy Spirit impart wisdom, strength, and grace as he shepherds the Church," he wrote in a statement.
- "The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring relationship with the Holy See with the first American pontiff.
Chicago and Illinois
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he hopes to welcome the pope "back home soon."
- "Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!" he wrote on X.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the first American to lead the Catholic Church was a "historic moment."
- "Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter that I join those in our state welcoming in at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace," he wrote on X.
Congress
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) celebrated the first American pope and the diverse conclave that elected him.
- For many of us, the name Leo XIV happily brings to mind Leo XIII's Rerum novarum, which was a blessing for working people," she wrote on X.
- "And it is heartening that His Holiness continued the blessing that Pope Francis gave on Easter Sunday: 'God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.'"
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said: "An exciting day for Catholics across the globe and a historic day for our country with the selection of the first American pope!"
- "I wish Pope Leo XIV the best as he embarks on his papacy."
Others
Former President Biden said on X: "Habemus papam - May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois."
- "Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success."
Former President Obama said on X: "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."
The president of Villanova University, Pope Leo XIV's alma mater, celebrated the pope as the first Augustinian friar elected.
- "With today's election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, I cannot help but reflect on what his Augustinian papacy will mean to our university community and our world," the Rev. Peter M. Donohue wrote.
- "Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission."
Fun fact: A sign outside Wrigley Field in Chicago, said "Hey, Chicago! He's a Cubs fan!"
Go deeper: Here's how Pope Leo XIV has already made history
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional responses.
