Pope Leo XIV: Obama celebrates first American pope in history
Former President Barack Obama congratulated Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, on his election as the first American pope.
Former President Barack Obama congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
Obama, alongside ex-First Lady Michelle Obama, shared their joy in a social media post, celebrating the historic achievement of having the first American pope in over two millennia of Catholic history.
Obama's congratulations to Pope Leo XIV
In a social media post in the X platform, former President Barack Obama stated that "this is a historic day for the United States," acknowledging the importance of a pope from the United States.
Barack Obama celebrates the first American pope. Photo: Obama's X account
Obama continued, "Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV," reflecting both pride and well wishes for the new pope's remarkable journey.
Pope Leo XIV: the first American pope
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, was born in Dolton, Illinois, a village near Chicago. While he is the first American pope, he also has a dual citizenship with both the United States and Peru.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first public address after being elected. Photo: AFP
With only 69 years old, he has made history as the first pope from the U.S. in more than 2000 years of papacy in the Catholic Church.
