Donald Trump turns the other cheek to herald ‘great honour’ for US – past criticism, it seems, is not a cardinal sin

The election of the first American pontiff is a ‘great honour’ for the US, Donald Trump has declared, despite Leo XIV having been critical of the President’s anti-migrant policies.

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The election of the first American pontiff is a “great honour” for the United States, Donald Trump has declared, despite Leo XIV having been critical of the President’s anti-migrant policies.

“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Mr Trump said on his Truth Social network. “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!”

Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago, has defended the poor and underprivileged, and has often reposted articles critical of Mr Trump’s policies.

Mr Trump, who this week ­posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as a pope, said Vatican officials had “already spoken to us” about a meeting, adding: “We’ll see what happens.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a conservative Catholic, said the US “looks forward” to building a working relationship with him.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte also welcomed the election of the Pope as a “historic moment” for her country, where the American-Peruvian spent more than 20 years as a missionary and bishop.

Leo, who became a Peruvian national in 2015, “chose to be one of us, to live among us and to carry in his heart the faith, culture and dreams of this country”, Ms Boluarte said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the Pope’s “powerful call to peace” made in his first address, while Russian leader Vladimir Putin said he hoped Leo would engage in “constructive dialogue” with the Kremlin.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was another leader to congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election.

“At a time of profound global challenges, may his pontificate be marked by wisdom, discernment, a deep commitment to common good, and dignity of all,” Mr Carney said.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas called on the new Pope to pursue the “peace efforts” of his predecessor, Francis.

Mr Abbas sent “best wishes for the success of Pope Leo XIV in the pursuit of his noble task and maintaining the legacy of the late Pope Francis”.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged the Pope to “continue the legacy” of his Argentine predecessor by promoting “more solidarity and humanity” in the world.

Mr Lula said Francis had worked tirelessly for peace, social justice, environmental protection and “dialogue with all people and religions and respect for ­diversity”.

Australia’s invitation

Anthony Albanese will invite Pope Leo XIV to Australia, declaring the first US pontiff’s election will bring joy and hope to Catholics around the nation.

The Prime Minister – who has talked often about his great admiration for the late Pope Francis – said Leo’s ascension to the Throne of St Peter was an important moment for the world.

“Today is a momentous day for Catholics around the world and faithful in Australia, and I join them in congratulating their Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, Bishop of Rome,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.

“As the first North American Pope, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership comes at an important time for the Catholic Church and the world.”

Mr Albanese will invite the new Pope to attend the International Eucharistic Congress being hosted in Australia in 2028.

“My government looks forward to continuing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. This is a moment which will bring joy and hope to Catholics everywhere,” Mr Albanese said.

“May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity.”

Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe, in Vatican City for the funeral of Pope Francis. Picture: Jacquelin Magnay

‘Renewed hope and strength’

The election of Pope Leo XIV will give the Catholic Church “renewed hope and strength”, Australian bishops say as President Donald Trump hailed the election of the first American pontiff as a “great honour” for the United States.

The Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe, one of the Australian Catholic Church’s most senior officials, said the election of Pope Leo XIV was “yet again a sign of the wisdom behind the Italian saying that those who enter the conclave as a pope inevitably emerge from the conclave as a cardinal”.

“Pope Leo XIV’s deep faith, pastoral wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Christ’s mission will undoubtedly guide the Church with renewed hope and strength.

“Recent Popes have sought ways to be of service to the wider Christian family and we can expect that Pope Leo XIV will follow this same path.

“The growing sense of unity and common purpose, already evident among Christians, can be a powerful countersign to the fragmentation we see in so many societies and communities.”

Archbishop Costelloe added that Pope Francis had “reminded us that unity does not demand uniformity, but rather openness to the rich diversity of the many cultures and traditions which are part of our Christian heritage”.