Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now referred to as Pope Leo XIV, is the inaugural pope hailing from the United States.
The 69-year-old Chicago native is recognized for his extensive global leadership experience. He dedicated a significant portion of his career to missionary work in South America and most recently oversaw a prominent Vatican office responsible for bishop appointments.
His election signifies a continuation of the late Pope Francis’ papacy, and he is anticipated to uphold Francis’ reforms within the church, as well as his commitment to addressing issues of poverty and supporting marginalized communities.
Here are additional details regarding the new American pontiff:
He was regarded as the most uncharacteristically American among the American cardinals. Prevost, originally from Chicago, was perceived within the Vatican as the ‘least American’ of the US cardinals.
He dedicated ten years to service in Trujillo, Peru, before being appointed as the bishop of Chiclayo, where he served from 2014 to 2023. Fluent in both Spanish and Italian, he showcased his language skills during his inaugural address to the public in St. Peter’s Square.
Furthermore, he was held in high esteem by Pope Francis, who regarded him highly, as noted by CNN’s Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb. Lamb described Pope Francis as recognizing Prevost’s capabilities as a leader.
Having met the new Pope Leo XIV during his time as a cardinal, Lamb characterized him as a thoughtful and measured individual, presenting an overall understated demeanor.
He is affiliated with the Augustinian order, a global religious community. Pope Leo served as its prior general for over ten years. In his inaugural address, he identified himself as a disciple of St. Augustine, referencing the saint’s well-known statement:
‘For you, I am a bishop; with you, I am a Christian.’ This sentiment emphasizes the unity among all members of the church, from its leaders to its congregants. Furthermore, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for evaluating candidates for bishop positions and recommending new appointments.
Prevost also held the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. According to Elise Allen, a Vatican analyst for CNN, he has been entrusted with leadership roles from a young age and is regarded as a composed and balanced individual, known for his clarity in vision without being overly assertive in his approach.
He maintains a missionary orientation. In an interview with Vatican News shortly after assuming his leadership position in Rome, Prevost stated, ‘I still view myself as a missionary. My calling, akin to that of every Christian, is to serve as a missionary and to share the Gospel wherever I may be.’ He has also mentioned that his experiences in Peru significantly influenced his life.
According to Allen, ‘He is someone who, despite his Western origins, is highly attuned to the needs of a global church. You are referring to an individual who has dedicated more than half of his ecclesiastical career to missionary work in Peru.’
He is also a citizen of Peru. Leo holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Peru. The pontiff, who was born in America, acquired Peruvian citizenship in August 2015, as recorded by Peru’s National Migration Registry.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte described his election as a ‘historic moment for Peru and the world.’ His papal name signifies a dedication to the impoverished. The previous pope to adopt the name Leo, Pope Leo XIII, was known for his advocacy for the poor and his support for laborers.
Serving as pope from 1878 to 1903, Leo XIII placed significant importance on workers’ rights and Catholic social teachings, making the selection of this name for the new pontiff a powerful declaration.
He is perceived as a centrist unifier, aligning with Francis on the church’s direction and the initiative to create a more inclusive global church, while also expected to lead with his own distinct approach.
Leo is anticipated to adopt a more progressive stance on social issues such as migration and poverty, while aligning more closely with moderates regarding moral aspects of Catholic doctrine..
To secure a two-thirds majority in the College of Cardinals, he would have needed to possess widespread appeal, even among the more moderate or conservative members.
He pursued mathematics at Villanova University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree, and subsequently earned a diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Eventually, he was sent to Rome to study canon law, and later in his career, he taught canon law at the seminary in Trujillo, Peru.
He is an enthusiast of tennis. “I regard myself as a somewhat amateur tennis player,” Prevost stated in an interview with the Augustinian Order shortly after his elevation to cardinal.
“Since departing from Peru, I have had limited opportunities to practice, so I eagerly anticipate returning to the court.”
He also mentioned that in his leisure time, he enjoys reading, walking, and exploring new and varied destinations.
