Obama congratulates new pope: 'This is a historic day for the United States'

Former President Obama congratulated Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, on his selection as the next pontiff for the Roman Catholic Church. 

“Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,’ Obama wrote in a Thursday post on X. 

“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,” he added.

Leo, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru. He is the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of Roman Catholicism. 

The 69-year-old hails from Dolton, a village just south of Chicago. He grew up with his two brothers, Louis and John, who were raised by parents of French, Italian and Spanish descent.

Former President George W. Bush also offered his congratulations to the new American pontiff.

"Laura and I are delighted to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to the papacy. This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world," he said in a statement. "We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God's love."

His career in the Catholic Church began at a young age when he was selected to become an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Chicago.

“Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) wrote Thursday on the social platform X, moments after the announcement.