After playfully suggesting that he could be the next pope, Donald Trump has shared his thoughts on today’s announcement regarding Pope Francis’ successor.
Last month, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, prompting widespread speculation about who would succeed him as head of the Catholic Church. Among the many names discussed, eight cardinals were particularly highlighted as possible candidates for the role.
Earlier today, it was confirmed that Cardinal Robert Prevost, aged 69, has been chosen as the new pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
While Trump had previously joked about becoming pope himself, even sharing a playful “blasphemous” image of himself in the role, he seems to have no hard feelings about the title going to someone else—especially since an American has been named the next pope.
On Truth Social, Trump posted: “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!”
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first American pope. He previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023 and was the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after the College of Cardinals, a group of the Catholic Church’s most senior figures, gathered in Rome to elect the next pope. There are over 240 cardinals worldwide, but only 120 are eligible to vote, and only those under 80 can participate in the election.
In the Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling, 138 eligible cardinals cast their votes over the course of two days, with a two-thirds majority ultimately deciding on Cardinal Prevost’s election as pope.
Better luck next time, Trump!