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Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, Pope Francis, Religion, US News, World News
After joking he wanted to be the new pope himself, Donald Trump has responded to today's news of Pope Francis' successor.
Last month, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City.
Theories swirled as to who could be the next pope in line to be the head of the Church - with eight cardinals in particular highlighted as potentially taking over the baton.
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And earlier today, it was revealed his successor had been formally chosen by the conclave after its highly secretive meeting came to an end.
The new pope is declared as being 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost - who's papal name is Pope Leo XIV.
Now, Donald Trump joked about becoming the next pope himself, alongside sharing a 'blasphemous' image of himself as said pope, so how does he feel about the title going to someone else?
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Well, the POTUS ultimately has no hard feelings to 'losing out' on the title to another - helped by the fact an American is taking on the role of head of the Church.
In a post 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!"
Indeed, Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, making him the first American pope in history.
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He previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and was the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
The historical announcement made from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica following a group of the Catholic church's most senior figures traveling to Rome to take on the monumental task of choosing the next pope.
There are more than 240 cardinals across the globe and the number of papal electors is typically capped at 120.
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Cardinals are also only allowed to vote if under the age of 80.
And under Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a reported 138 eligible voters had their say, voting up to four times a day for the past two days ultimately leading to a majority of two-thirds to vote in favor of Pope Leo XIV.
Better luck next time eh Trump?