Donald Trump breaks silence as first-ever American pope is elected

Donald Trump has issued an official response after the first American pope was elected earlier today.

Just one day after the new conclave kicked off in Rome's Sistine Chapel, a speedy decision has been made by the College of Cardinals as they announced who would be Pope Francis' successor.

The infamous white smoke was seen billowing from the Sistine chapel this afternoon (8 May), confirming the news to those waiting for the highly-anticipated announcement.

Despite the most likely candidates previously having been announced as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, the Catholic Church has opted to go in an entirely different direction, and has elected its first-ever American pope.

Pope Leo is officially the new leader of the Catholic Church (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost - who hails from Chicago, Illinois - is the new pontiff, and has chosen the name Leo.

The 69-year-old - who will be known as Pope Leo XIV - issued a passionate prayer after emerging onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, telling the crowds, 'may peace be with all of you'.

Of course, it didn't take long for Donald Trump to react to the news that the first ever American would be heading up the Catholic Church, as he called it a 'great honour for our country'.

Trump called the announcement 'exciting' (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

What has Donald Trump said about the new pope?

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: "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!"

The news follows the passing of former pontiff Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday (21 April) aged 88 after suffering from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

Nine days of mourning were subsequently announced, while preparations were made for a new Head of the Catholic Church to be selected.

What do we know about Pope Leo?

Having been ordained in 1982 aged just 27, Pope Leo mirrors a lot of the viewpoints his predecessor was known for including being passionate about helping migrants and those from impoverished backgrounds.

In fact, last year he told the Vatican’s official news website: “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.”

Despite being born in the US, he's spent much of his life away from the country, visiting orders around the world.

A such, he even speaks both Italian and Spanish.

Pope Leo is the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

From diet to digital detox: What strict protocol do cardinals have to follow during the conclave?

Throughout the duration of choosing a new pope, the cardinals resided in the Casa de Santa Marta, a minimal, five-storey accommodation located close to St Peter's Basilica, where their contact with the outside world was cut off entirely.

As well as phones, they aren't permitted access to newspapers to avoid having their vote influenced by news and current affairs. As such, phones and newspapers are banned.

Meanwhile, the Vatican nuns serve meals supplied to the College of Cardinals during a conclave, with the likes of meat skewers, pasta, potatoes, fish and boiled vegetables being commonly consumed menu items, while whole poultries and closed foods (pies and quiches) are said to be banned, as per the BBC.