Things to know about the new Catholic Church Pope, Pope Leo XIV

History was made at the Vatican as the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Now known as Pope Leo XIV, he became the first American to ascend to the papacy, ushering in a new chapter of leadership rooted in global experience, pastoral humility, and continuity with the reforms of the late Pope Francis.

The 69-year-old Chicago native brings a unique combination of administrative expertise, missionary zeal, and theological grounding to the papal office. Here are the most important things to know about Pope Leo XIV:

1. First Pope from the United States

Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois. His election marks a historic first for the U.S., making him the inaugural American pope in the Church’s nearly 2,000-year history.

2. Global Roots, “Least American” Among U.S. Cardinals

Despite his American origins, Pope Leo XIV is widely regarded within the Vatican as the “least American” of the U.S. cardinals. He spent over a decade as a missionary in Peru and later served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, he demonstrated his linguistic versatility during his first papal appearance at St. Peter’s Square.

3. Respected by Pope Francis

Prevost was deeply respected by the late Pope Francis, who entrusted him with significant roles within the Vatican, including the leadership of the Dicastery for Bishops. Observers describe him as thoughtful, measured, and humble—qualities Francis admired and cultivated in his successors.

4. A Son of St. Augustine

Pope Leo XIV is a lifelong member of the Augustinian Order and served as its Prior General for more than a decade.

READ ALSO: American Cardinal Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV

In his first public remarks as pope, he referred to himself as “a son of St. Augustine,” quoting the saint’s famous words: “For you, I am a bishop; with you, I am a Christian,” emphasizing shared humility and community.

5. Seasoned Leader in the Church Hierarchy

Before his election, Pope Leo XIV headed the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful office responsible for vetting and recommending episcopal appointments worldwide.

He also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His calm demeanor and steady leadership style have earned him wide respect across the Church.

6. A Missionary at Heart

Despite his senior roles, Pope Leo XIV views himself fundamentally as a missionary. He often speaks about his time in Peru as the most formative period of his life.

“My vocation is to proclaim the Gospel wherever I am,” he once said. His pastoral heart is shaped by deep personal engagement with marginalized communities.

7. Holds Dual U.S.–Peruvian Citizenship

Reflecting his deep connection to Peru, Pope Leo XIV became a Peruvian citizen in 2015. His election has been celebrated not only in the United States but also in Latin America, with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte calling it a “historic moment for Peru and the world.”

8. His Papal Name Signals Solidarity with the Poor

By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope aligns himself with Pope Leo XIII, who championed the rights of workers and the poor during his tenure in the late 19th century.

This name choice signals Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to Catholic social teaching and advocacy for justice.

9. Centrist with Broad Appeal

Pope Leo XIV is considered a centrist who maintains continuity with Pope Francis’ vision but is also capable of building consensus across ideological divides within the Church.
He is expected to uphold the Church’s moral teachings while advocating progressive positions on social issues like poverty, migration, and global inequality.

10. Mathematician, Canon Lawyer, and Tennis Enthusiast

Before entering religious life, Pope Leo XIV earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University and later studied theology and canon law in Rome. He taught canon law in Peru and enjoys tennis, reading, and traveling.

“I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player,” he once remarked, noting he hopes to return to the court.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, Catholics around the world are watching with hope and anticipation. His deep pastoral experience, global outlook, and quiet strength may define the next phase of the Catholic Church’s mission in the 21st century.