It was a historic week, and a historical conclave, as the College of Cardinals deliberated inside the Vatican for only two days before delivering the world the first American Pope.
Chosen to succeed Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was a surprise pick from Chicago. (Fun facts: He’s a White Sox fan, not a Cubs fan — and he’s love college basketball, having earned a degree from Villanova University. An American Pope, indeed.)
How big of a surprise was it? Almost no one saw it coming, not even betting markets, which made him as high as a 200-to-1 longshot.
In fact, one of the few bettors who did have the foresight to pick Prevost won $100,000 on the event.
While the bettor is still celebrating the big win, many others have reacted to the historic papacy, including President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, the latter of whom is a converted Catholic.
Here are their instant reactions, along with eight more from world leaders. .
President Donald Trump
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. 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!”
“I try not to play the politicization the Pope game. I’m sure he’s going to say a lot of things that I love. I’m sure he’ll say some things that I disagree with, but I’ll continue to pray for him and the Church despite it all and through it all.”
Former President Joe Biden
“Habemus papam — May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.”
Piers Morgan
“Congratulations to Chicago Cardinal Robert Prevost, who becomes Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history. A close confidant of Pope Francis, and seen to be a ‘compromise candidate’ who will pursue a similarly progressive agenda.”
Barack and Michelle Obama
“Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Barack shared in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after the announcement. “This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
Spike Lee
“The Vatican voted in Robert Francis Prevost as their 267th pontiff. He is the first Pope from the United States of America, born in Chicago, Illinois. And for my NEW YAWK KNICKS fans, his alma mater is Villanova University.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
“We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the College of Cardinals as Head of Vatican City State and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. I reaffirm our humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity.”
UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer
“This is a profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom….Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment.”
Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
“In a time marked by conflicts and unrest, his words from the Loggia of Blessings are a powerful call for peace, fraternity, and responsibility. A spiritual legacy that follows in the path traced by Pope Francis, and which Italy regards with respect and hope.”
Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney
“The white smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel signals the beginning of a new papacy – a moment of renewal, hope, and unity for more than a billion faithful worldwide.”
