Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the groundbreaking election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy, delivering a statement that’s already stirring waves across political and religious circles. While congratulatory on the surface, Trump’s remarks carried his signature undertone of defiance and subtle jabs.
“Congratulations to the new Pope—an American, finally! It’s a tremendous win for the U.S., though some of his past comments on me weren’t exactly ‘holy,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I wish him well. Let’s hope he sticks to religion and stays out of politics!”
BREAKING: Donald Trump congratulates Pope Leo XIV on historic election, but adds, “Let’s hope he sticks to religion and stays out of politics!” https://t.co/Zy0Vn3lhdf #PopeLeoXIV pic.twitter.com/2vHHo5WYzS— CNN (@CNN) May 20, 2025
The message sparked immediate reactions, with social media users dissecting every word. Many praised Trump for acknowledging the historic moment, while others slammed him for making it about himself.
“Trump’s comments reflect his classic style—part congratulatory, part combative,” noted CNN analyst Abby Phillip. “He’s not one to miss a moment to remind the world of his own relevance.”
Abby Phillip: “Donald Trump’s response to Pope Leo XIV’s election walks a fine line—part praise, part political flex.” https://t.co/KuvGXElzZR #Politics pic.twitter.com/aqv7B2LU7D— CNN (@CNN) May 20, 2025
Fox News commentators were quick to frame the moment as a win for American influence. “We now have an American pope—proof of America’s exceptionalism,” said host Laura Ingraham. “Trump is right to cheer this as a victory for our culture and our values.”
Laura Ingraham: “An American pope is a symbol of America’s influence in the world. Trump’s congratulations are spot-on.” https://t.co/mht3uzYL8O #WorldNews pic.twitter.com/MRIE2DaqpB— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 20, 2025
But critics on the left were less forgiving. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow tweeted, “Trump couldn’t even let a historic religious moment pass without making it political. No surprise.”
Rachel Maddow: “Trump’s reaction to the first American pope? Classic Trump—always finds a way to center himself.” https://t.co/YkMZtTPcmR #MSNBC pic.twitter.com/6o8Cq9VmHc— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 20, 2025
Pope Leo XIV has yet to directly respond to Trump’s statement, though Vatican insiders say the new pope is focused on delivering a message of global unity, compassion, and reform in his upcoming public address.
As the political world and religious communities continue to react, it’s clear that even one of the most sacred institutions on Earth hasn’t escaped the gravitational pull of Trump’s influence.
