Who is Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope?

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, has been elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV was a frontrunner to succeed Pope Francis after his passing. Some had concerns about an American pope, fearing that the U.S. could wield undue influence through the papacy.

Leo XIV was brought to the Vatican by Pope Francis in 2023 to serve as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a crucial role in vetting bishop nominations worldwide. He was later elevated to the position of Cardinal in 2023, showing his alignment with Francis’s teachings on the environment, poverty, and inclusivity within the Church.

Before becoming pope, Leo XIV entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained as a priest in 1982. He served in Peru and the U.S. in various roles before being elected as provincial prior of his order in Chicago in 1999. Leo was also elected twice as the leader of the Augustinian religious order.

Pope Francis recognized Leo’s capabilities and moved him back to Peru in 2014 to serve as an administrator and eventually as the archbishop of Chiclayo. Leo became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 and later served as the vice-president of the permanent council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference.

Leo XIV’s vast experience in different roles within the Catholic Church has prepared him well for his new position as Pope. His dedication to the Church’s teachings and his commitment to serving the marginalized make him a promising leader for the global Catholic community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have as Pope Leo XIV.