President Donald Trump extended his congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope, marking a historic moment as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
Trump shared his sentiments shortly after Prevost made his debut in St. Peter’s Square.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been named Pope,” Trump stated.
“It’s such an honor to have the first American Pope. What an exciting moment and a wonderful recognition for our nation. I am eager to meet Pope Leo XIV; it’s sure to be a very significant occasion!” the president noted.
Prevost was selected by the Cardinals in a conclave that took less time than anticipated. To elect a Pope, he needed a two-thirds majority.
The quick decision caught many off guard, especially since he was considered a long shot due to his American background.
But who is this bishop? Well, he was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, and is part of a lineage that traces back to the 267 popes starting from St. Peter.
As noted by Rebecca Mansour, senior editor at Breitbart News, selecting the name “Leo” might suggest a connection to Pope Leo XIII.
Choosing the name Leo is probably a deliberate nod to the esteemed Pope Leo XIII, known for his influential 1890s encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which is often regarded as a document advocating for workers’ rights and the welfare of the common people in a transforming society.
Jim Pinkerton of Breitbart emphasized the significance of Rerum Novarum in a Labor Day essay from 2019 when he referenced it in his commentary about Marco Rubio’s comments on the topic.
Pope Leo XIV blessed the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. During his first address post-Conclave, he spoke in Italian and Spanish, not English.
“This is the peace of Christ risen from the dead. God is close to you,” he proclaimed.
