United States President Donald Trump has hailed the emergence of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 266th Catholic Pontiff, describing the development as a great honour for America.
President Trump used his verified social media handles on Thursday evening to salute thr new pontiff shortly after the announcement of the election.
The United States President said that he looked forward to meeting Prevost, who is now officially known as Pope Leo XIV, noting that it will be “a very meaningful moment”.
Trump wrote: “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!”
The first American-born Cardinal to occupy the exalted office, Prevost was the Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops (Leader of the Vatican office for the appointment of Bishops).-
Not in my wildest dreams – Villanova Varsity President
Also, Rev. Peter Donohu, President of Villanova University, the alma mater of the new Pope, said that the election of the first American Leo XIV, is one who aligns closely with Pope Francis, and signifies that the church is focused on progress.
Donohu added that the with the new pope, their faith has to continued to move forward, stressing that the church needs “to ask forgiveness” for the mistakes it has made in the past.
“Not in my wildest dreams,” did Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohu expect an alum of his university to become pope.
“I never expected it!” Donohu said on MSNBC hours after Leo was named the church’s new leader.
“The entire Villanova nation is celebrating this,” and bells continue to ring on its Pennslyvania campus and have been doing so for hours, he said.
Donohu said that the election of an American pope, and one who aligns closely with Pope Francis, signifies that the church is focused on progress.
“Our faith has to continue to move forward,” he said. The church needs “to ask forgiveness” for the mistakes its made, he said.
