In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, has been elected as the 267th Pope and will take the name Leo XIV. He is the first American-born pontiff and widely regarded as a figure who bridges North and South America through his decades of missionary work in Peru.
Before his name was officially announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the large crowd gathered below had already begun chanting “Viva il Papa” – Long live the Pope.
Background and Early Life
Robert Prevost was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, to a family of Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage. He was raised in a devout Catholic household and served as an altar boy during his youth. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and soon after joined the Augustinian order.
In 1985, he moved to Trujillo, Peru, where he spent over a decade as a parish priest and seminary educator, gaining Peruvian citizenship and building a strong bond with local communities. He is remembered for his pastoral outreach to marginalised populations, a theme that continues to define his ministry.
Rise Within the Church
Prevost’s leadership qualities became increasingly evident. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo, a significant diocese in northern Peru. His administrative skills and theological insight led to his promotion as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential roles in the Vatican bureaucracy, responsible for overseeing the selection and governance of bishops around the world.
In January 2023, he was made Archbishop, and within months, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, paving the way for his papal candidacy.
Inspiration Behind the Name Leo XIV
The new pope’s decision to adopt the name Leo XIV is viewed as symbolic. The last Pope Leo, Leo XIII (1878–1903), was renowned for his teachings on workers’ rights, social justice, and the Church’s role in addressing the challenges of the industrial age.
Observers believe Pope Leo XIV may draw inspiration from this legacy, aiming to confront modern crises such as economic inequality, migration, climate change, and technological disruption with renewed moral clarity.
A Voice for the Vulnerable
In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Emeritus Francis, praising his “courageous voice” and emphasizing a continued commitment to unity and service.
“United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,” he told the faithful assembled in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo XIV is seen as a continuation of Francis’ inclusive agenda. He has supported efforts to bless same-sex couples and has voiced strong support for environmental stewardship, including Vatican-wide sustainability initiatives like installing solar panels and switching to electric vehicles.
Political and Social Views
Though born in the United States, Pope Leo XIV is considered by many as a Latino cardinal due to his deep ties to Peru. He has often spoken about his immigrant roots and has publicly supported migrant rights.
A social media account linked to Prevost attracted attention for sharing content critical of US immigration policy and remarks by current Vice-President JD Vance. The Vatican has not officially confirmed the authenticity of the posts, but they reflect a consistent message of compassion and justice in his public ministry.
Handling of Church Abuse Crisis
During his time in Peru, Prevost’s diocese was not immune to the sexual abuse crisis that has gripped the global Church. However, no evidence has surfaced implicating him in any cover-up. His leadership in diocesan transparency has been praised by local clergy and community leaders.
A Future-Facing Papacy
Pope Leo XIV has endorsed greater roles for women within Church governance. In 2023, he welcomed the inclusion of women in the Dicastery for Bishops, noting their perspectives as “an enrichment” to the Church’s decision-making processes.
On climate change, he has called for immediate action. “It is time to move from words to action,” he stated last year, urging the Church and humanity to adopt a “relationship of reciprocity” with the natural world.
As the first Pope from the United States and the second from the Americas, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique blend of North American pragmatism and Latin American empathy to the role. His papacy is expected to focus on bridging divides—geographic, political, and spiritual.
Whether he will chart a bold new course or deepen the reforms initiated by Pope Francis remains to be seen. But for now, the Catholic world begins a new chapter—with Leo XIV at the helm of the global Church.
