In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 8, 2025, marking the first time an American has held the papacy. The election of Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago, quickly overshadowed former President Donald Trump’s announcement of a trade deal with the United Kingdom, which many have criticized as filled with empty promises.
During the late-night shows that evening, hosts seized the opportunity to poke fun at both the new pope and Trump’s trade deal. Seth Meyers, for instance, humorously noted that Trump would likely claim credit for the election, quipping, "You know Trump’s going to try to claim credit for this. ‘The tariffs are working. We’re making our own Popes now, right here in America.’”
Desi Lydic from The Daily Show also took a jab at conservatives reacting to the new pope’s social media history, particularly his criticism of Vice President J.D. Vance, who has been accused of using his Catholic faith to justify anti-immigrant policies. Lydic remarked, "The new pope does not like J.D. Vance, he really is an everyday American,” and added a humorous warning to the pope, saying, "Be careful, though, Father — if you piss off J.D. Vance, he’s going to pay you a visit.”
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV called for unity and peace on Earth, a message that resonated amid the political turmoil. However, right-wing media figures like former Senator Rick Santorum criticized the pope for not delivering his address in English, as he chose to speak in Italian and Spanish. Lydic quipped in response, "If English was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for the pope. Shame! Shame on you!”
Stephen Colbert celebrated the election of the new pope, exclaiming, "The Vatican’s got that new Pope smell,” while leading a chant of "Pope-S-A! Pope-S-A!" He noted the significance of having a 69-year-old American pope, saying, "Nice… that he’s so young.” Colbert also pointed out the pope’s tweet against Vance, stating, "Holy Father, you had me at ‘J.D. Vance is wrong.’”
Jimmy Kimmel, on the other hand, used the occasion to critique Trump’s trade deal, humorously stating, "This must have been what it felt like when they opened the first Olive Garden.” He added, "Trump just hit the Vatican with an 80 percent tariff on pointy hats,” referring to the pope's history of criticizing Trump’s policies. Kimmel also joked about the new pope’s vehicle, saying, "The Popemobile is now a Ford F-250 with Truck Nutz.”
Meanwhile, Jimmy Fallon joined in on the fun, remarking, "You can tell he’s American because he stepped out on the Vatican balcony and said, ‘New Pope, who dis?’” Fallon also highlighted the pope’s connection to Chicago, saying, "Yep, he may be the new pope, but to his friends back in Chicago, he’ll always be ‘Bobby Bratwurst.’”
As the evening unfolded, the comedic commentary on the new pope’s election and Trump’s trade deal continued to flow, with each host bringing their unique perspectives and humor to the situation. Meyers, Kimmel, Colbert, and Fallon all touched on the absurdity of the political climate, drawing laughter from their audiences.
In the midst of the humor, the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s election was not lost. As the first American pope, he represents a shift in the Catholic Church’s leadership, potentially bringing a new perspective to the Vatican. His election is seen as a pivotal moment for Catholics in the United States, who have long awaited a pontiff who shares their cultural background.
However, the juxtaposition of the pope’s election with Trump’s trade deal highlights the current tensions in American politics. While the new pope calls for unity and love, Trump’s policies often reflect division and controversy. The contrast was not missed by late-night hosts, who used the moment to reflect on the broader implications of both events.
As the dust settles from the election of Pope Leo XIV, it remains to be seen how his papacy will unfold. Will he be able to bridge the divides within the Church and society at large? Or will his American roots complicate his role on the global stage? One thing is certain: the world will be watching closely.
In the meantime, the comedic reactions to his election provide a light-hearted take on what is undoubtedly a significant moment in history. The late-night hosts have given their audiences a chance to laugh amidst the political chaos, reminding everyone that humor can often be a powerful tool for reflection.
