American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV, First U.S. Pontiff in History

Staff Reporter, Vatican City

May 8, 2025

In a historic milestone for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This unprecedented event marks the first time an American has been chosen to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, a moment that resonates deeply across religious, cultural, and geopolitical landscapes.

The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, who proclaimed, “Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV” (Vatican News). The election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, and a conclave that began on May 7, 2025, where 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel to select the new pontiff.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV grew up in a family with Italian, French, and Spanish heritage. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was a catechist, fostering a strong religious foundation. Prevost’s early life was shaped by his involvement in parish activities, including serving as an altar boy. He entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, taking solemn vows in 1981, and was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982 (Vatican Press Office).

Prevost’s academic journey included studying theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and earning a licentiate and doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His doctoral thesis focused on the role of the local prior in the Augustinian order, reflecting his deep engagement with Church governance.

His career is notable for its international scope. From 1985 to 1998, Prevost served in Peru, working as a parish pastor, judicial vicar, and seminary professor in Chulucanas and Trujillo. He became a naturalized Peruvian citizen, giving him dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship. This experience in Latin America, coupled with his later role as Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023), earned him the nickname “the least American of the Americans” by Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi (TIME).

Prevost’s ascent within the Church was marked by significant leadership roles. He served as prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013, overseeing the global operations of the Augustinian community. In 2014, he was appointed apostolic administrator of Chiclayo, Peru, and was ordained a bishop on December 12, 2014. He became Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015, a role he held until 2023.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, positions that placed him at the heart of Vatican decision-making. As prefect, he oversaw the selection of bishops worldwide, a role that amplified his influence and visibility. His inclusion of three women in the voting bloc for bishop nominations was a notable reform under Francis’s papacy. In September 2023, Francis elevated him to cardinal, assigning him the Deaconry of Santa Monica.

The conclave of 2025 was a pivotal moment for the Church, following the death of Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas. Speculation about potential candidates, or “papabile,” had been rife, with names like Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle frequently mentioned (New York Times). However, Prevost emerged as a strong contender due to his broad experience, Vatican insider status, and reputation as a balanced leader.

Reports suggest that Prevost’s candidacy gained traction as some cardinals sought an alternative to more polarizing figures. His American nationality, while historically a barrier due to concerns about U.S. global influence, was mitigated by his extensive international experience and dual citizenship (CBS News). His election required the support of just over two-thirds of the voting cardinals, a threshold he evidently met.

The choice of the name Leo XIV is significant. The last Pope Leo, Leo XIII, is renowned for his encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), which addressed social justice and workers’ rights, laying the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching. By choosing Leo, Prevost may signal an intent to continue engaging with contemporary social issues while maintaining doctrinal fidelity.

Pope Leo XIV is widely regarded as a centrist, a quality that may help him navigate the Church’s internal divisions. He has expressed support for Pope Francis’s pastoral initiatives, such as outreach to migrants, the poor, and the environment, and his approval of allowing divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion (College of Cardinals Report). However, he holds conservative views on doctrinal matters, opposing the ordination of women as deacons and expressing caution about cultural shifts that contradict traditional teachings, such as those related to same-sex relationships.

His stance on the 2023 Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans, which permits non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, reflects his nuanced approach. Prevost emphasized the importance of local bishops’ conferences interpreting such directives based on cultural contexts, suggesting a decentralized approach to sensitive issues (College of Cardinals Report).

Colleagues describe Prevost as humble and joyful, qualities that endeared him to those he served. The Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, communications director for Prevost’s former diocese in Chiclayo, recalled his daily routine of prayer and breakfast with fellow priests, noting, “No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humor and joy”

The election of an American pope is a landmark event, breaking a centuries-long tradition of European and, more recently, Latin American pontiffs. Prevost’s American roots, combined with his global experience, position him as a bridge between the Church’s traditional centers and its growing presence in the Global South. His fluency in multiple languages and familiarity with diverse cultures enhance his ability to connect with Catholics worldwide.

However, his American nationality may spark debate. Some cardinals historically hesitated to elect a U.S. pope due to concerns about the influence of a superpower nation on the papacy (New York Times). Prevost’s supporters argue that his decades in Peru and Vatican roles make him a “churchman who transcends borders,” mitigating such concerns.

In the United States, the election has elicited pride and curiosity. Prevost’s alma mater, Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977, celebrated his rise to the papacy (Villanova University). His Chicago roots, including his education at Catholic schools, resonate with American Catholics, who number approximately 70 million.

As Pope Leo XIV prepares to deliver his first address, expected soon, the world awaits his vision for the Church. His background suggests a focus on unity, humility, and service to the marginalized, themes consistent with his pastoral work in Peru and Vatican reforms. Key challenges include addressing the Church’s handling of sexual abuse cases, navigating doctrinal debates, and responding to global issues like climate change and migration.

The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one that reflects its evolving global identity. As the first American pope, he carries the hopes of millions while facing the complex task of leading a diverse and often divided institution.