Summary
US President Donald Trump hailed the election of Robert Francis Prevost, the first American pope known as Pope Leo XIV, as a “great honour,” expressing eagerness to meet him. Many political figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, congratulated the new pope, emphasizing the significance of his appointment for the Catholic Church and American Catholics. The new pontiff, originally from Chicago, has previously challenged some political views, including those of Vice-President JD Vance, while receiving accolades from former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.