TRUMP CONGRATULATES POPE LEO XIV, SAYS MEETING WILL BE "MEANINGFUL"

WASHINGTON, May 9 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump has congratulated Robert Francis Prevost on his election as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV -- the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

“It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American pope. What excitement, and what a great honour for our country.

“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

His remarks came after the 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago was elected following the death of Pope Francis last month at the age of 88.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump called the moment “a great honour” for the United States.

“To have the pope from the United States of America, that's a great honour, that's a great honour. I was watching it and they said, he’s from America. I said, ‘That’s great,’” he said.

When asked whether he intends to meet Pope Leo XIV, Trump confirmed, “I do. They’ve already called.”

On a similar note, United Nations UN) Secretary-General António Guterres also extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV and to Catholics around the world.

“The election of a new pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges,” said Guterres in a statement issued by his spokesperson’s office.

“Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” he added.

Highlighting the longstanding cooperation between the UN and the Holy See, Guterres said, “I look forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the UN and the Holy See -- nurtured most recently by Pope Francis -- to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.”

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU