On May 8, 2025, history was made in Vatican City as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This landmark election marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s two millennia history. The announcement was made from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, who proclaimed, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam… qui sibi nomen imposuit Leonem Decimum Quartum.“
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was a World War II Navy veteran and a school superintendent, while his mother, Mildred Martínez, was a librarian. The family was active in their parish, St. Mary of the Assumption, where young Robert served as an altar boy.
I announce to you a great joy:
WE HAVE A POPE
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost
who has taken the name Leo XIV
Prevost pursued higher education at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He then obtained a diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and furthered his studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
In 1977, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) and made his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest in 1982. In 1985, he began missionary work in Peru, serving in the Diocese of Chulucanas. His dedication to the Peruvian people led him to become a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015.
Prevost’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, serving two consecutive terms. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him as the bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, where he served until 2023. That year, he was called to Rome to head the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide.
On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis elevated Prevost to the College of Cardinals. Following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, the conclave convened, and on its second day, Prevost was elected pope. His selection was met with widespread acclaim, and his first words as pope were, “Peace be with all of you!“
Significance of the Name Leo XIV
By choosing the name Leo XIV, Prevost aligns himself with a lineage of popes known for their leadership and commitment to the Church’s mission. The name “Leo” has been adopted by 13 previous popes, including Leo I, known as “the Great,” who played a pivotal role in shaping the early Church.
In Short:
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Robert Francis Prevost elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV
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First American to become pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church
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Former missionary in Peru and head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops
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Born in Chicago, USA with dual citizenship in the United States and Peru
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Ordained as an Augustinian priest in 1982
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Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2023
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Known for his humility, leadership, and commitment to global Church reform
A Pope for a Global Church
Pope Leo XIV’s election is significant not only because he is the first American pope but also because of his extensive experience in Latin America and his dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. His multicultural background and missionary work position him to address the diverse needs of the global Catholic community.
As he begins his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis, focusing on issues such as social justice, environmental stewardship, and the inclusion of marginalized communities within the Church.
The world watches with anticipation as Pope Leo XIV embarks on his journey as the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics, bringing with him a wealth of experience, humility, and a deep commitment to the Church’s mission.
