Pope Leo XIV elected live updates: UN Secretary General, Putin and Trump congratulate American Cardinal Robert Prevost

It didn’t take long for right-wing media figures and MAGA provocateurs to cry out in rage over the election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV after it was revealed that he’d publicly criticized Vice President JD Vance and expressed sympathy for immigrants and George Floyd.

Despite feeling national pride over the fact that the Chicago-born Prevost has become the first American pope in history, conservative pundits and Trump loyalists fumed over the “WOKE MARXIST POPE” and complained that he is “worse than Francis,” referencing the previous pontiff known for his progressive values.

Justin Baragona reports on what our US readers likely knew was coming.

Well, that depends on who you believe…

Here’s a report from the AP:

The bells pealed at Holy Name Cathedral as a crowd quickly gathered. Schoolchildren mingled outside, whooping and shouting. Bishop Larry Sullivan, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, told a press conference that it’s an exciting day for the city and the country.

“I would say the Chicago way is that we come together, we share our faith,” he said.

The cathedral’s rector, Father Gregory Sakowicz, said the sun came out in Chicago when the new pope was announced, a coincidence he described as “God’s way of remaining anonymous.”

He said he was “happily shocked,” and that he had a burning question: was the new Pope a White Sox fan? A journalist said she’d heard he’s for the Cubs, and Sakowicz chuckled. “God bless him,” he said.

However, local network WGN scored an interview with the new pope’s brother, and they’re reporting the pontiff is a White Sox fan…

Day one, and already a papal mystery has taken shape.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he looks forward “to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See – nurtured most recently by Pope Francis – to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.”

“The election of a new Pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges. Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” Guterres said.

And he quoted the new pope’s first words: “Despite the rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs, people everywhere share a common goal: ‘May peace be with all the world.’”

The first hint of the new pope’s direction has come with the name he picked.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his “cordial congratulations” to the new pope in a message published on the Kremlin’s website, wishing him “success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being.”

“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and interaction established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us,” the Russian leader said.

Newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a practicing Catholic, called the pope’s election a “historic day for Catholics and all who look to the Vatican for guidance.”

“At a time of global challenges, may his pontificate carry forward a mission of solidarity, compassion, and dignity for all,” Carney said in a post on social media.