In a landmark moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy.
The 69-year-old former bishop from Chicago will now be known as Pope Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis as the spiritual leader of more than 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
Ten Key Facts About Pope Leo XIV:
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- First American to Lead the Church
Pope Leo XIV makes history as the first pontiff from the United States, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. - Chose the Name Leo XIV: By selecting the name Leo XIV, he aligns his papacy with a legacy of reform-minded and intellectually influential popes who bore the name Leo.
- Brings Decades of Experience: At 69, he enters the papacy with a long background in pastoral ministry, missionary outreach, and Vatican leadership.
- Missionary Legacy in Peru: He served for more than ten years as a missionary in Trujillo, Peru, emphasizing service to marginalized communities and evangelization.
- Holds Dual Citizenship: In addition to being American, he became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, reflecting deep ties to Latin America.
- Former Bishop of Chiclayo: From 2014 to 2023, he served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, where he was known for his approachable leadership and dedication to pastoral care.
- Key Vatican Role Before Election: Before becoming pope, he led the Dicastery for Bishops, playing a vital role in appointing bishops and shaping global Church leadership.
- Supporter of Franciscan Reforms: Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’ reformist vision, with a focus on transparency, inclusion, and accountability.
- Identity as a Missionary: Describing himself as “still a missionary,” he remains committed to spreading the Gospel and engaging with communities at the grassroots level.
- A Pope with a Global Outlook: With roots in North America, citizenship in South America, and Vatican leadership experience, Pope Leo XIV brings a broad, international perspective to the papacy.
