President Luong Cuong has congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American pontiff. Elected on May 8, 2025, the 69-year-old Chicago-born pope is known for his call to peace and dialogue. His inaugural Mass will be held May 18 in St. Peter’s Square. When asked if he had a message for the U.S., Pope Leo XIV simply said, “God bless you all,” sparking debate online. A moderate close to Pope Francis and a former missionary in Peru, he has previously voiced criticism of certain U.S. policies. Both Donald Trump and J.D. Vance offered public congratulations on his historic election.
