Donald Trump has shared his official response following the historic election of the first American pope earlier today.

Just a day after the conclave began within the Sistine Chapel in Rome, a swift decision was reached by the College of Cardinals, who have officially chosen the successor to Pope Francis.

This afternoon (8 May), the iconic white smoke was seen rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling to onlookers that a new pontiff had been selected.

Though many had expected the next pope to be one of the frontrunners—Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, or Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke—the Church took an unexpected route, appointing an American for the first time in its history.

The new pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, Illinois, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Upon stepping onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the 69-year-old offered a heartfelt message to the gathered crowd: “May peace be with all of you.”

It didn’t take long for Donald Trump to comment on the unprecedented development, celebrating the moment as a point of national pride.

What did Donald Trump say about the new pope?
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said: “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!”