Cardinal Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has made history as the first American-born pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. His election on May 8, 2025, marked a significant milestone, signaling a new chapter for the Church.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost was raised in a family that valued education and service. His father, Louis, was an educator, and his mother, Mildred, a librarian. He grew up alongside his two brothers, Louis and John. Prevost pursued higher education at Villanova University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1977. He later obtained a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982 and was ordained as a priest the same year. Furthering his studies, he earned a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome by 1987.
Prevost’s commitment to missionary work led him to Peru, where he served for nearly two decades. His dedication to the people and the Church in Latin America earned him dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him as the bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. By 2023, he was called to Rome to serve as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His elevation to cardinal came in January 2024.
The conclave that elected Prevost as pope was notable for its swift decision. On the second day, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. An hour later, Cardinal Robert Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting the world as Pope Leo XIV. In his first address, he spoke in Italian and Spanish, emphasizing peace, unity, and the continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy.
Choosing the name Leo XIV, Prevost aligns himself with the tradition of past popes who have taken the name Leo, most notably Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of social justice. This choice reflects Prevost’s commitment to addressing contemporary social issues within the framework of Catholic teaching.
Pope Leo XIV is recognized for his centrist views. While he upholds traditional Church teachings on matters such as gender and family, he is also known for his compassionate stance towards immigrants and the marginalized. His past opposition to certain educational reforms in Peru and his support for Venezuelan immigrants highlight his nuanced approach to complex social issues.
The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has been met with widespread acclaim. Leaders from around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, have expressed their congratulations. His former institution, the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, praised his compassionate and intellectual qualities. As the first American pope, Leo XIV’s papacy is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the Vatican, emphasizing inclusivity, dialogue, and a renewed focus on global social issues.
