Following the election of Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) as the 267th pope, there has been great enthusiasm among the American political realm and the Catholic community. It is unprecedented in over 2,000 years of Catholic history for an American to be elected pope.

Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) is elected as the 267th pope. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

President Donald Trump celebrated shortly after the election of Leo XIV on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying, "It is truly an honor to learn that he is the first American pope. How exciting, and what a great honor for our country."

Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism from evangelical Protestantism in 2019, becoming the second Catholic vice president in U.S. history, posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Congratulations on the election of the first American pope," adding, "Millions of American Catholics and Christians will pray for the pope to lead the church successfully."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known as a devout Catholic, also stated, "I pray for His Holiness the Pope and hope the Holy Spirit grants him wisdom, strength, and grace."

Former President Joe Biden, the second Catholic president in U.S. history after John F. Kennedy, also sent a congratulatory message. He wrote on X, "Habemus Papam. (My wife) Jill and I send our congratulations and wish him success." Habemus Papam means "We have a pope" and is the formal declaration of the pope's election.

Former President Barack Obama said, "Michelle and I send our congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, who is originally from Chicago," adding, "It's a historic day for America, and I will pray for him as he begins his sacred mission of leading the Catholic Church and setting a good example for many."

Larry Sullivan, the archdiocesan administrator of Chicago, stated at a press conference held at the cathedral, "Today is a day of excitement for Chicago and America," saying, "We will gather in the Chicago way to share our faith."

Father Gregory Sacowicz, the head priest of the cathedral, said, "I learned of the pope's election through a whisper from a parishioner," adding, "At that moment, I looked outside, and sunlight was pouring down in Chicago."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on social media, "Everything wonderful, including the pope, comes from Chicago," stating, "I hope to welcome you back to your hometown soon."