Pope Leo XIV reactions: Americans, global leaders cheer for Chicago native

Pope Leo XIV reactions: Americans, global leaders cheer for Chicago native

Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was chosen on the second day of voting

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Americans and world leaders are cheering for the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, whose name is Robert Francis Prevost.

The 69-year-old, who hails from Chicago, is the first pope from the United States.

MORE: Papal conclave live updates: White smoke signals new pope elected

President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo on social media, saying, "It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope."

"What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country," Trump's post continued. "I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

Faithful react to white smoke from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel indicating that a new pope has been elected, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

Claudia Greco/Reuters

Former President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic who has spoken about his warm relationship with Pope Francis, wrote on social media, "Habemus papam -- May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success."

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, in a post on X on Thursday night, wrote, "Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic selection. Doug and I join millions across our nation and around the world in praying for him as he steps into his new role and leads the Catholic Church."

Former President Barack Obama said, "Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith."

MORE: What we know about Leo XIV, the new American pope

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Catholic, said in a statement, "This is a moment of profound significance for the Catholic Church, offering renewed hope and continuity amid the 2025 Jubilee Year to over a billion faithful worldwide."

"The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring relationship with the Holy See with the first American pontiff," Rubio's statement said.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also a Catholic, said, "All of us hope and pray for the success of His Holiness and his vision for the Church."

"In his own words, Pope Leo XIV said, 'We can be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone,'" she said in a statement. "Let us thank God for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and for this vision of unity."

Priests react to white smoke from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

Marko Djurica/Reuters

MORE: Pope Leo XIV conclave by the numbers: From number of cardinals to length of voting

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called Prevost's selection "the greatest moment in the history of the greatest city," telling ABC News Live that the new pope was "born in Chicago, educated in Chicago, came back and served this city."

Johnson praised the new pope, saying he "recognizes and understands the value of immigration." The last pope to be named Leo, Leo XIII in 1878, was known as the "Pope of Labor," and Johnson called Chicago the most pro-worker city in America.

"Today is truly a remarkable day" for Chicago and the world, Johnson said.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost of the U.S., appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

Dylan Martinez/Reuters

World leaders are also offering their congratulations.

Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, wrote on X, "I extend my most sincere wishes to Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate."

"In a time marked by conflicts and unrest, his words from the Loggia of Blessings are a powerful call for peace, fraternity, and responsibility," Meloni wrote in Italian. "A spiritual legacy that follows in the path traced by Pope Francis, and which Italy regards with respect and hope."

The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, posted a statement to X that the election of Pope Leo XIV was a "profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom."