Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on May 8th, 2025, becoming Pope Leo XIV.
He is notably the first American citizen chosen as pontiff. Prevost, 69, hails from Chicago but also holds Peruvian citizenship, having spent significant time there as a missionary and later as the Archbishop of Chiclayo.
Pope Francis had initially brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for vetting episcopal nominations worldwide.
Upon his election, Pope Leo XIV appeared at St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the gathered faithful, delivering his first “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. Addressing the crowd in Italian and Spanish, he extended peace to all, emphasizing unity and continuity.
Prevost previously served as Prior General of the Augustinians and demonstrated significant leadership and pastoral experience. His educational credentials include a degree from Villanova University and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV referenced Pope Leo XIII with his chosen name, signaling continuity with Catholic social teaching.
His first blessing included the words: “Peace be with you all. The world needs Christ’s light, humanity needs him as a bridge to God’s love.”
Pray for Pope Leo XIV! 🙏
Editorial credit: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com
