Florida political leaders praise selection of first American Pope, Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV. Image via AP.

White smoke in Rome may as well have included plumes of red and blue based on political reaction to electing the first American Pope.

Here is how Florida’s political leaders greeted news that Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost, will be the new Vatican head of state.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican, posted: “Congratulations to the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV! May God bless him as he leads the Catholic Church.”

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant City Republican, posted: “May God bless the first American Pope!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami Republican, released a statement: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th successor to Saint Peter. This is a moment of profound significance for the Catholic Church, offering renewed hope and continuity amid the 2025 Jubilee Year to over a billion faithful worldwide. The papacy carries a sacred and solemn responsibility. Jeanette and I are united in prayer for His Holiness, may the Holy Spirit impart wisdom, strength, and grace as he shepherds the Church. The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring relationship with the Holy See with the first American pontiff.”

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican, posted: “Congrats Pope Leo XIV!”

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Gainesville Republican, posted: “Congratulations to the new Pope, Pope Leo XIV! What an exciting time to have the first-ever American Pope!”

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, posted: “Congratulations to the first American Pope!”

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican, posted: “Blessed news for the worldwide Catholic community! I’d like to join all my fellow Catholics in wishing Pope Leo XIV a long and prosperous papacy.”

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat, posted: “I join millions around the world in welcoming the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church. Wishing him strength, wisdom, and compassion as he begins his papacy.”

U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican, posted: “Our entire country is beaming with pride with the fact we have an AMERICAN leading the Catholic Church. As devout Catholics, Lourdes and I are praying for Pope Leo’s success.”

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a St. Petersburg Republican, posted: “An American Pope: Robert Prevost.”

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican, posted: “May God bless Pope Leo XIV and guide the first American papacy in history.”

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, posted: “Congratulations to the first American Pope.”

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, a Fort Walton Republican, posted: “FIRST AMERICAN POPE! (Long overdue.)”

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, posted: “Habemus Papam! Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, the first ever American Pope. May God give him the strength and wisdom to guide his papacy. Ad multos annos!”

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, posted: “Grateful to witness the ascendancy of Pope Leo, the first American pope in history. May his tenure bring faith, peace, inspiration and understanding to all my fellow Catholics and the world!”

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat, posted: “Habemus Papam! I welcome Pope Leo XIV and pray for his success, wisdom, and righteousness as he takes on this sacred ministry to lead the Catholic Church and inspire millions around the world. May the Lord place his guiding hand over Pope Leo XIV and the world during these times.”

Sen. Danny Burgess, a Pasco Republican, posted: “Habemus papam! The first AMERICAN POPE!! May God Bless Pope Leo XIV as he shepherds the world’s nearly 1.5 Billion Catholics to courageously live their faith.”

Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Pinelllas Republican, posted: “May God bless Pope Leo XIV.”

Rep. Fabían Basabe, a Miami Beach Republican, posted: “Habemus Papam. And he is American. Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago and his election underlines the direction our Nation has taken toward unity and peace. With his spiritual leadership, America will continue to take center stage and I am proud, honored, hopeful and very optimistic. God bless Pope Leo XIV, God bless us all, and God bless America.”

Rep. Paula Stark, an Osceola Republican, posted: “I am filled with gratitude and hope as we welcome Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. May Pope Leo XIV lead with wisdom, compassion, and faith as he guides us into this new chapter. My prayers are with him as he takes on this sacred responsibility.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia posted: “Habemus Papam! Today, the Catholic Church welcomes its 267th pontiff—Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy, marking a historic moment for the Church. His election signifies a new chapter in our spiritual journey. May this pope be a voice for the voiceless, a unifier of hearts, and a beacon of compassion in a world that yearns for empathy. I pray that under his guidance, we grow closer to one another, not just in faith but in love and service to one another. Our material possessions are not permanent; they are on loan. What is eternal is the love we show, the mercy we extend, and the belief we carry in the resurrection of Christ. This life is not the end. It is the beginning of our journey toward the promise of the afterlife. May the Holy Spirit guide Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Church with wisdom and grace.”

TheFlorida Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement: “Thanks be to God for calling Pope Leo XIV to lead the Church of our time. It is thrilling to see an American named pope. We promise our prayers that the Lord will guide and support the Holy Father throughout his pontificate. God bless and sustain Pope Leo XIV and, through his service, the whole Church and the world.”