NATIONWIDE — Leaders across the U.S. congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first American to be elected as pontiff in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, saying that he looks forward to meeting the new pontiff in what he envisions will be a “very meaningful moment.”

“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” Trump wrote. 

While answering questions from reporters later on Thursday afternoon outside of the White House, Trump reiterated his comment, saying, “To have the pope from the United States of America, that is a great honor.”

What You Need To Know

  • Leaders across the U.S. congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first American to be elected as pontiff in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church
  • Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, selected the name Pope Leo XIV for his papacy. He was born in Chicago, but spent much of his adult life in Peru and Italy
  • “To have the pope from the United States of America, that is a great honor,” President Donald Trump said
  • Prevost also has a connection to Pennsylvania, where he attended Villanova University

Trump was asked if he regretted posting an image created by artificial intelligence over the weekend of himself dressed as the pope, and he declined to respond. 

Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, selected the name Pope Leo XIV for his papacy. He was born in Chicago, but spent much of his adult life in Peru and Italy. 

Vice President JD Vance, an adult convert to Catholicism, wrote a message congratulating Prevost, saying “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church.”

Prevost also has a connection to Pennsylvania, where he attended Villanova University.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called Prevost’s election a “historic moment” and said that he ushers in a new chapter “at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace.” 

Villanova President Rev. Peter M. Donohue shared a message with the school’s community, praising Prevost, who received both his bachelor’s degree in math in 1977 as well as an honorary doctor of humanities in 2014 from the university. 

“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,” Donohue wrote. 

He concluded his message by calling on the university community to take time for prayer, reflection and thoughtful discourse. 

“May his leadership strengthen our resolve, inspire meaningful action, and remind us that as educators, students and individuals, we are called not only to learn but also to lead with courage, wisdom and faith,” Donohue wrote.  

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement expressing his "heartfelt congratulations" to the new pope during "a moment of profound significance" for the church. Rubio is a Catholic of Cuban heritage who went through a religious journey as an adult, exploring other faiths including Mormonism, before arriving back at Catholicism

"The papacy carries a sacred and solemn responsibility," Rubio's message said. "May the Holy Spirit impart wisdom, strength, and grace as he shepherds the Church. The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring relationship with the Holy See with the first American pontiff."

Several elected officials expressed their well wishes for the new pontiff on social media. 

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Prevost has distinguished himself as a deeply principled leader who prioritizes service to others.

“In his own words, he has encouraged his fellow faith leaders ‘to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them, to suffer with them,’” Murphy said in a statement. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul shared a note of congratulations on X.

“The prayers of millions of Catholics around the globe are with you to guide the church forward and be a strong champion for compassion and dignity,” she wrote. 

Both Republican and Democratic members of Congress – including Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Jen Kiggans, Nick LaLota and Elise Stefanik – also posted their reactions on social media. 

Former U.S. President George W. Bush said he and his wife, Laura, are “delighted” to congratulate Prevost on his election to become pope.

“This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world,” Bush said in a statement. “We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God’s love.”

And former President Joe Biden, a lifelong Catholic who attended Sunday mass often while in office, posted on social media: "Habemus papam - May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success."

The Associated Press and Spectrum News' Taylor Popielarz contributed to this reporting.