Lawmakers Celebrate Selection of First American Pope

US lawmakers are celebrating the election of U.S.-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to lead the Catholic Church as its 267th Pope. 

Pope Leo XIV, as Cardinal Prevost will henceforth be called, was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, and belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA). 

Upon being elected, Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of unity and peace to thousands of onlookers gathered at St. Peter’s Square to greet the new pope. 

“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love,” said Pope Leo. “Help us, and help each other, build bridges."

President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo, stating he looked forward to meeting with the pontiff. 

“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” said President Trump. “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!”

Pope Leo XIV is reportedly known to have centrist political views.

The newly elected supreme pontiff is described as having a special affinity for immigrants and lower socioeconomic groups while being a staunch defender of the Catholic Church’s traditional social teachings on marriage, LGBTQ issues, and the priesthood. 

Pope Leo XIV has allegedly previously criticized “ beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,” such as the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”

As part of his ministry, Pope Leo XIV has served the Catholic Church in South America since 1988. 

Miami Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), a practicing Catholic, celebrated Pope Leo XIV’s selection. 

"Our entire country is beaming with pride with the fact we have an AMERICAN leading the Catholic Church,” said Representative Gimenez. 

Similarly, the US Embassy to the Vatican extended its “heartfelt congratulations to the first Pope from the United States of America.”