Meet the new Pope, Leo XIV
The Roman Catholic Church has elected its first-ever American pope, Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, as the 267th pope.
He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was made from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti on May 8, 2025, with the traditional words, “Habemus Papam”, which is Latin for "We have a pope".
Early Life in Chicago
Born in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Pope Leo XIV grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in Dolton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
He served as an altar boy and was known for his early devotion to the Church.
His brother John recalled that even as a young child, Leo preferred playing "priest" over other games.
A life in missionary work
After his ordination in 1982, Prevost moved to Peru three years later.
He spent over a decade working as a parish pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, a region in northern Peru. He later became an Archbishop and was made a cardinal in 2023.
Pope Francis also placed him in charge of the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for selecting bishops around the world.
During his time in Peru, he earned citizenship and the admiration of the people. In 2022, during severe floods, he was seen wading through mud to help communities in need.
In a photo released by the Diocese of Chulucanas, he is shown leading celebrations there just last year.
Why the name Leo?
By choosing the name Leo, he follows a line of popes known for strength and social teaching. Pope Leo I persuaded Attila the Hun not to attack Rome in 452. Pope Leo XIII was famous for his writings on workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution.
Church observers say Leo XIV may be signalling a similar concern for social justice.
An American, but also Latin American
Although he was born in the United States, the Vatican described him as the second pope from the Americas, following Francis from Argentina.
His decades in Peru allowed him to build strong ties with Latin America. His international background helped present him as a “compromise candidate” during the conclave, easing concerns over a US pope’s possible political implications.
What family and friends say
Leo’s brothers, Louis and John Prevost, have spoken about the new pope’s lifelong dedication to the Church.
“I think the very fact that in his heart, in his very soul, he wanted to be a missionary. He didn’t want the bishop. He didn’t want the cardinal, but that’s what he’s asked to do, so that’s what he did,” John told CNN.
Reverend John Lydon, a former roommate, described him to the BBC as “down to earth” and “very concerned with the poor.”
Leadership style and religious beliefs
Pope Leo XIV is considered a moderate. His brother John said he is “not far-left or far-right,” and expects him to be “a second Pope Francis.”
Leo is known to support many of Francis’ reforms. As cardinal, he oversaw the inclusion of three women in the Dicastery for Bishops and said their views enriched the decision-making process.
He also supported Francis’ stance on giving communion to divorced and remarried Catholics and showed moderate support for blessings of same-sex couples.
However, he has stressed that bishops must apply such teachings in ways that reflect local cultures.
On environmental issues, he has called for urgent action. Speaking in 2024, he said humanity must build a “relationship of reciprocity” with nature and backed efforts at the Vatican to reduce emissions.
Views on politics and society
Leo XIV has been outspoken on migration and social justice. In April, when former US President Donald Trump met El Salvador’s president about using a controversial prison, he reposted a tweet that said: “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?”
He has also shared criticism of US policies on immigration, including an article that challenged Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of Christian teachings.
Response to abuse crisis
While Leo XIV has said the Church must be transparent in handling abuse cases, his past handling of allegations has drawn criticism.
SNAP, a US-based group supporting victims of clergy abuse, raised concerns about his election. In 2023, the Augustinian order he once led in Chicago paid $2 million to settle a rape accusation involving a priest who was not included on a public list of offenders.
Survivors filed a complaint with the Vatican, accusing Prevost and others of inaction. The diocese denied any cover-up.
His first words as pope
In his first words 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 told cheering crowds in St Peter’s Square. “United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.”
