Donald Trump welcomed a historic event — for the first time in the history of the American church, a U
S. citizen has taken the papal throne. The President of the United States expressed his sincere congratulations to the newly elected Pontiff, Robert Prevo, and highlighted the significance of this landmark event for the country and the entire Catholic world. According to official information released via the Truth Social platform, Trump stated that it was a personal "great honor to realize" that the new Pope is American, and his name will be Leo XIV. The President himself described this event as "exciting" and "extremely important for our country," expressing hope for a future meeting with the Pontiff in the near future. "I am looking forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a historic and very significant gathering," Trump emphasized in his comments, noting that the newly elected pope opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and for the American clergy. Robert Prevo, who is currently 69 years old, became the first U.S. citizen in history to be elected pope just days after his ordination as a cardinal. His appointment was approved by the Conclave on the second day after his appointment, and he previously gained a reputation as a highly professional and respected church leader in the Vatican. In 2023, his appointment as a cardinal was initiated by the late Pope Francis, who saw in him a promising leader for the Catholic Church. The new pontiff is currently heading the office of the Holy See responsible for the selection and appointment of bishops worldwide. Before stepping into the sacred world of the Vatican, Prevo gained experience in missionary work in South America — he served as bishop in the northern city of Chiclayo, Peru, and also led the Order of Saint Augustine. His career has been diverse and multifaceted, allowing him to immerse himself in various cultural and spiritual contexts. The reputation of the new Pope is based on moderate views within the framework of the Catholic Church. It is believed that he will likely uphold the core principles of the late Francis, with whom he shares not only ideological common ground but also a commitment to moderation and dialogue with the outside world. He is seen as a symbol of forming a new course that will unify the church and promote solutions to contemporary spiritual and social issues. For those interested in the national and international aspects of this historic event, it is recommended to explore materials related to questions such as: "Will the new Pope be a friend to Ukraine?" and "Who is most likely to lead the Vatican in the future?" After all, the election of the first American Pope is not only a church milestone but also an important diplomatic and political signal resonating far beyond the spiritual sphere.