U.S. President Donald Trump described the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV as a “great honour” for the United States, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Trump, who attended Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, congratulated Prevost and expressed pride in the U.S.’s growing influence within the Catholic Church. The statement followed Trump’s controversial April 30 posting of an AI-generated image of himself as pope, which drew rebukes from Catholic leaders for mocking the faith during the Vatican’s mourning period.
Trump’s comments emphasized the significance of an American leading the 1.4 billion-member Church, suggesting it reflects the U.S.’s moral and cultural leadership. He referenced his administration’s push to make America “more religious,” citing policies like expanding faith-based initiatives and protecting religious freedoms.
Prevost, born in Chicago, aligns with Trump’s praise for his pastoral work in Peru and Vatican roles, though the pope’s moderate stance on social issues like migration contrasts with Trump’s conservative agenda. Trump also alluded to Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, whom he previously called “very good” during the conclave.
The Vatican has not responded to Trump’s remarks, focusing instead on Leo XIV’s call for global unity. Catholic bishops in the U.S., while welcoming Prevost’s election, have urged Trump to respect the Church’s apolitical role, citing tensions over his AI image stunt. The election coincides with the U.S.’s 70 million Catholics gaining prominence, with 10 American cardinals voting in the conclave. Trump’s statement underscores his strategy to court religious voters ahead of domestic policy battles, while Prevost’s papacy is expected to prioritize diplomacy over political alignment.