Trump hails election of first American-born pope

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A GREAT honor for the United States (US).

US President Donald Trump said this as he hailed the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born head of the Catholic Church.

"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," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

Trump said he is looking forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.

“It will be a very meaningful moment!" he said.

In a report by Agence France-Presse, Trump further talked about the new pope, a native of Chicago, when he spoke to reporters outside the West Wing.

"To have the pope from America, that's a great honor," Trump said in brief remarks. "What greater honor could there be. We're a little bit surprised but very happy."

"We were watching, and they said he's from the United States of America and I said 'That's great.'"

Trump disclosed that Vatican officials had "already spoken to us" about a meeting.

“We'll see what happens," the president said.

Trump recently drew criticisms when he posted an AI image of himself dressed in papal garb. He refused to answer when asked about it.

"What's next?" he said when asked if he regretted posting the AI image.

Trump attended late pope Francis's funeral in April with First Lady Melania Trump.

He had also joked last week that he would like to succeed Francis, saying: "I'd like to be pope, that would be my number one choice."