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By Andrew Stanton, Gabe Whisnant, and Sonam Sheth
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President Donald Trump reacted Thursday after the Vatican announced the selection of a new pope.
The Context
White smoke billowed out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling that at least 89 out of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave had elected a successor to Pope Francis.
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They elected Pope Leo XIV, whose birth name is Robert Prevost, of Chicago, as the new pope. He instantly became perhaps the most recognizable and influential living religious figure, holding considerable sway over the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
Pope Leo XIV will succeed Pope Francis, who died last month after leading the Catholic Church for more than a decade. He played a key in shaping the image of the church over the past decade, emphasizing issues like climate change during his tenure.
What To Know
"I saw the smoke, but I haven't seen the pope," Trump said on his way out of a White House event with military mothers.
Shortly after Trump's remarks, Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as Francis' successor. Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first American pope.
Trump reacted to Leo's selection, writing on Truth Social: "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!"
...
Trump previously said he had "no preference" about who the new pope would be and stirred backlash from some Catholics after posting an AI-generated image of himself as pope to social media.
Leo's election drew reaction from global and U.S. leaders on Thursday.
Leo thanked the cardinals who elected him as Francis' successor in remarks Thursday, adding: "We have to seek together to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and dialogue, always ready to accept, like this great piazza, with its arms, we have to show our charity, presence and dialogue with love."
Leo was born in Chicago but also has ties to Peru, where he has worked for decades, including as a missionary. He was appointed as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis in 2023.
What People Are Saying
Father Robert Hagan, a friend of Pope Leo XIV, said on CNN: "Pope Leo represents all that is good about being an American. To work for the freedom and the justice and the opportunity for all people. The core values upon which this country was founded. To leave some of the other things behind and to be an instrument, a promoter of all things good for the common good. For people on the margins. For the poor. These are the values that Pope Leo has lived."
Governor Kathy Hochul, a New York Democrat, wrote on X: "Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. 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."
Spain President Pedro Sanches wrote on X: "Congratulations to the entire Catholic Church for the election of the new Pope Leo XIV as @Pontifex_es. May your pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: "We sincerely congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as Pope and head of the Catholic Church. We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue."
What Happens Next
Pope Leo XIV's authority began immediately upon his selection. His selection sparked celebration among global Catholics, as well as Americans over the historic nature of his selection.
Update 5/8/25, 1:48 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and context.
Update 5/8/25, 2 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and context.
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