Donald Trump had a bit of fun with the idea of becoming pope himself, but now the real news is out about who’s actually stepping into that role.
Just last month, Pope Francis passed away at 88, over at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. And now a new pope has been chosen.
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Trump once joked he wanted to be pope
Before the new pope was picked, Trump had posted a wild image of himself dressed as the pope. Pretty over-the-top, even for him.
He was clearly half-joking about wanting the job. But now that someone else has it, people were wondering how he’d take it.
A historic announcement just came out of the Vatican
Earlier today, the Vatican finally made the big call. After that super private meeting behind closed doors, the conclave reached their decision.
All those top church leaders flew in to take care of this huge task: choosing the next head of the Catholic Church.
They stepped out on the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica and made it official.
The new pope is an American for the first time ever
Now, 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost is the new pope. He’ll be going by Pope Leo XIV.
What’s big about this? He’s from Chicago, making him the first American ever to become pope. A historical moment.
Trump had a surprisingly gracious reaction
You might think Trump would be annoyed he didn’t get the spotlight this time. But actually, he seemed fine with it, probably because it was an American who got the role.
He posted on Truth Social: “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!”
Pope Leo XIV has a long history in the church
Before this, Leo XIV was working down in Peru as the Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 until 2023.
And before that, he led the Order of Saint Augustine for over a decade, from 2001 to 2013. So yeah, he’s been around.
Choosing a pope involves a very secretive vote
There are more than 240 cardinals worldwide. But only a limited number actually get to vote — usually no more than 120, and only if they’re under 80 years old.
This time, 138 eligible voters gathered under the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling.
They cast votes up to four times a day. After two days of that, Pope Leo XIV got the two-thirds majority he needed.
Several candidates had been in the running
A bunch of names were floating around before the decision. Eight cardinals in particular were seen as strong contenders.
People had all sorts of theories about who’d get it.
Better luck next time, eh, Trump?
