Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, 69, becomes the first American-born pontiff and 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. With deep roots in Peru and a commitment to reform, discover his background, values, and vision for the Church.
A Historic Moment at St. Peter’s Basilica
Before his name was even announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the gathered crowd was already chanting, “Viva il Papa” — “Long live the Pope.” That energy erupted as Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal, was revealed as the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he now becomes the 267th pope in Church history — and notably, the first American-born pontiff.
Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Born in Chicago in 1955 to a family of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Robert Prevost was raised in a devout Catholic environment. He served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. But his spiritual journey soon took a global turn.
In 1985, just three years after ordination, he moved to Peru as a missionary under the Augustinian Order. There, he would spend decades living among and serving marginalized communities — an experience that shaped his worldview and earned him deep respect across Latin America.
A Deep Connection to Latin America
Although born in the United States, Pope Leo XIV is also a Peruvian citizen and is widely regarded as a figure of Latin American pastoral identity. He served as a pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo for over 10 years and later became Bishop of Chiclayo — appointed by Pope Francis just a year after Francis himself assumed the papacy.
His work in Peru focused on social outreach, community building, and advocacy for the poor and vulnerable — themes that echo the priorities of his predecessor.
A Key Voice in Church Governance
Before his election as pope, Cardinal Prevost held the influential role of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America — a position tasked with selecting and supervising bishops across the continent. In January 2023, he was elevated to Archbishop, and just months later, Pope Francis made him a cardinal.
Prevost was already well known among fellow cardinals and Church leadership, which made his election less surprising. Given that 80% of the cardinals in the conclave were appointed by Francis, Prevost’s selection represents a clear nod toward continuity in Church reforms and vision.
A Vision Aligned with Pope Francis
In his first address as Pope, Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor:
“We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us.”
He urged the faithful to “advance together, hand in hand with God.”
Pope Leo XIV is widely believed to support the reformist stance of Pope Francis, especially in areas like social justice, care for migrants, and environmental stewardship. As a cardinal, he didn’t shy away from controversial positions. For instance, he reposted a critique of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and the Trump administration’s deportation policies, stating:
“JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
Such statements suggest a bold, values-driven leadership style.
Navigating Challenges and Scandals
While in Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s diocese was not untouched by the wider sexual abuse scandals that have impacted the Church globally. However, his office has fervently denied any involvement in cover-ups, and many in the Peruvian Church regard him as a transparent and trustworthy leader.
A Pope for a Global Church
Though American by birth, Pope Leo XIV’s cross-cultural legacy and grassroots ministry make him a leader with global resonance. The Vatican describes him as the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina, and the first ever Augustinian pope.
His election reflects the desire of many cardinals for a “prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but goes out to bring light to a world marked by despair,” as Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni described ahead of the conclave.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.