ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT
5/8/25
6:47 PM
DAVID MUIR: And back in the U.S., President Trump, former Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush and Clinton all sending messages about this first American pope. The opportunity for unity and their hope for the new leader of the Catholic Church. Rachel Scott at The White House tonight.
RACHEL SCOTT: Tonight, the American president calling the election of the first American pope “a great honor for our country.”
DONALD TRUMP: What greater honor could there be? And- we’re a little bit surprised but very happy.
SCOTT: Each of America’s former presidents sending their good wishes. Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, posting on social media: “Habeas papamom(SIC). May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.”
Barack Obama posting: “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan. His Holiness Pope Leo XIV…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.
George W. Bush calling this “...an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world.
And Bill Clinton, citing the Pope’s first words today, saying: “...His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke to billions…calling for unity and offering peace, a message the world needs now more than ever.”
SCOTT: And President Trump says he looks forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV, saying it will be a very meaningful moment, David.
MUIR: Rachel Scott at The White House for us tonight. Rachel, thank you.