Trump congratulates Pope Leo XIV, calls his election 'a great honor' for the United States

"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!"

"What greater honor could there be?" Trump posited to reporters. He also told them that the administration has already been in touch with the Vatican and expects to have the president visit the new pope in the future. It was not made clear how soon that meeting might take place.

"Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!" Vance said on X. "I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!"

In his first address, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics to live as missionaries and stressed that he hopes to be a builder of peace during his papacy. The new pope also asked Catholics to assist him in bringing peace to "all peoples," and participating in dialogue and "building bridges."