NAIROBI, Kenya — As Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made history by becoming the first American-born pope, U.S. President Donald Trump wasted no time jumping into the conversation—True Social style.
Following the May 8 election of Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old Chicago native who emerged from the conclave as the 267th successor of St. Peter, Trump took to Truth Social to offer his congratulations and tease a possible papal meet-up.
And in classic Trump fashion, he added a dash of personal grandeur to the occasion.
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” Trump wrote. “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!”
The election of Pope Leo XIV is a seismic moment in Roman Catholic history—and not just for American Catholics. Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Francis Prevost is an Augustinian priest known for his deep pastoral work in Latin America and his tenure as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
The new pontiff’s rise to the Vatican’s highest office has sparked jubilation across the U.S., with many seeing it as a sign of the Church’s evolving global footprint.
Trump quickly capitalized on the moment, aligning his congratulations with patriotic pride and emphasizing the significance of Leo XIV’s American roots.
“They’ve Already Called”: Trump Suggests Vatican Wants a Sit-Dow
But Trump didn’t stop at sending well wishes. He hinted—vaguely but confidently—that a meeting between him and the newly elected pope is already in the works.
“They’ve already called,” he claimed, implying that Vatican officials were eager to arrange a face-to-face.
While no official Vatican statement has confirmed any such call or visit, Trump’s suggestion adds yet another layer of intrigue to an already headline-grabbing moment.
A Complex Relationship
Despite Thursday’s high praise, Pope Leo XIV hasn’t always been in Trump’s corner.
In fact, back in February, a verified X account linked to the new pope shared a National Catholic Reporter article sharply criticizing Vice President JD Vance—a Trump loyalist—over his interpretation of Christian teachings.
The article, titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” took issue with the vice president’s approach to faith and politics, subtly challenging the administration’s narrative around Christian values.
As the Vatican settles into a new era under Pope Leo XIV, and Trump hints at a potentially historic meeting, questions loom about how their philosophies will align—or clash.
