A Historic Moment: Leo XIV, The First American Pope, Takes the Throne of Saint Peter
U.S.A. the beneficiary of Pope Leo XIV's election, according to Trump's perspective. - U.S. experiences esteemed recognition with the election of Pope Leo XIV
In an unprecedented move, Robert Francis Prevost, a US citizen who serves as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was named Cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2024, has been elected as the 267th Bishop of Rome, now known as Pope Leo XIV. This historic occasion marks the first time a US citizen ascends to the Papal throne since the United States' independence over 240 years ago [2][3].
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, among others, extended his congratulations to the newly elected Pope. Rubio, who is Catholic, hinted at a strengthened relationship between The United States and the Holy See, stating, "The United States is eager to deepen our enduring relationship with the Holy See, with the first American Pontiff at its helm" [1].
The late Pope Francis, who had formerly criticized Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, won't be witnessing this moment as he passed away two weeks ago [1]. The US Conference of Bishops honored the new Pope with an image on the X service, captioned, "Our Holy Father, Leo XIV," reflecting the large number of Catholics in the US. Pew Research Center data indicates that around one in five US citizens identifies as Catholic, making them the country's prominent religious group [1].
Although no US cardinal has ever become Pope before, the new Pope, Prevost, is also reported to hold Peruvian citizenship and has served as a cleric in Peru multiple times [1]. As a progressive figure in US Politics, Leo XIV's stances on issues like environmental protection and migration may mirror those of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Trump, who attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, sparked controversy among Catholics with an image of himself dressed as the Pope, pointing a finger, which was digitally created and circulated online shortly after [1]. The ensuing backlash highlighted the delicate line between honoring and disrespecting a spiritual leader in the public eye.
- Pope
- Donald Trump
- USA
- US President
- Pope Francis
- Marco Rubio
- Francis Prevost
- Relationship
- Bishops' Conference
- Cardinal
- Environmental Protection
- Migration
- Roman Curia
[1] Newsweek[2] DegreeAffiliate.com[3] Vatican News
Additionally, since taking office in January 2021, the Trump administration has implemented various controversial policies, including a travel ban affecting several predominantly Muslim nations, family separations at the Mexican border, and the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, sparking widespread protests and criticism from the Pope.
- As the first American to become Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, who was previously a cardinal and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, will lead the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV.
- US President Donald Trump, who attended the funeral of Pope Francis, faced criticism when an image of him dressed as the Pope circulated online, sparking a discussion about the delicate balance between honor and disrespect in the public eye.
- Marco Rubio, a Catholic US Secretary of State, expressed his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, stating the United States' eagerness to deepen its relationship with the Holy See.
- The stances of Pope Leo XIV on environmental protection and migration may mirror those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, particularly considering the latter's criticism of certain Trump administration policies.
