Trump Claims Credit for American Pope Selection Amid Vatican Denial

Former President Donald Trump has claimed credit for the election of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, despite the Vatican's traditional conclave process and denials from insiders that politics influenced the decision. Trump linked his winning of the Catholic vote to the pope's selection and criticized journalist Martha Raddatz for dismissing his involvement, though she and other media sources emphasized that the election was based on Pope Leo's own merits rather than U.S. politics. Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Prevost, has previously criticized Trump’s policies, making Trump’s claim seem incongruous to some observers. Cardinal Robert Barron noted that an American pope is unlikely until the U.S. declines politically, suggesting the election reflects broader geopolitical realities rather than personal influence. These conflicting views have sparked debates about the role of political figures in religious affairs and the potential tensions between Church and State moving forward. As Pope Leo begins his tenure, questions remain about how the Vatican will handle perceptions of political influence amid ongoing scrutiny.