First U.S. Born Pope: Meet Pope Leo XIV Robert Prevost

A new pope has risen.

After a shorter conclave than the previous two-day one where Pope Francis was chosen, the College of Cardinals elected Robert Prevost, aged 69 and originally from Chicago, as the next head of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, following their third ballot.

Selecting Pope Leo XIV as a reference point, it’s worth noting that Prevost was the very first pope hailing from the United States, making him the second from the American continents, following Argentinian Pope Francis.

Although any baptized Catholic male can potentially hold the papacy, only a small number of cardinals were seriously considered as potential successors to Francis, with some critics pointing out that every pope is essentially a successor of the first pope, St. Peter. Prevost was one such candidate, though he was generally viewed as an underdog among the front-runners because no pope has ever come from North America before.

Waiting for the victor were white cassocks in various sizes, each fitted by a tailor for comfort. Alongside these were the traditional skullcaps, or zucchetto. The immaculate white attire symbolizes purity, kindness, and sanctity, while the 33 buttons on the cassock represent the years Jesus Christ spent walking among us.

Similar to Francis before him, Leo XIV opted against wearing red shoes, which some previous popes preferred, but he did put on a red mozetta, or cape, whenever he appeared on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to welcome the multitudes who gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, eager to witness the white smoke that symbolized the election of a new pope.

In his first remarks as Pope Leo XIV, he sent a unifying message.

The Pope, who was born as Robert Francis Prevost, expressed that our church could embody the role of a missionary, one that constructs connections, a place where everyone is invited – just like this square welcoming all, in acts of kindness, conversations, and love. This message reached the crowd present, as well as millions watching live across the globe.

In the spirit of the final Easter blessing Pope Francis gave prior to his passing on April 21st, the newly appointed pope echoed those words, saying: “Let me carry on with that same blessing: God loves each and every one of us; evil shall not triumph. We are all under God’s protection. So, let’s move forward fearlessly, hand in hand with God and together as a community.

Here is what to know about Cardinal Robert Prevost, who became Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025:

Who is Cardinal Robert Prevost?

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost was the son of Louis Prevost, a retired school administrator and war veteran who served in World War II, and Mildred Martinez Prevost.

Growing up, he served as an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Chicago’s South Side, nurturing aspirations for the priesthood from his teenage years. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Villanova University in 1977, he joined the Order of St. Augustine in September of the same year.

In 1978, Prevost made his initial vows, and these were followed by his permanent vows in 1981. The subsequent year saw him earning a Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and he was ordained as a priest by Archbishop Jean Jadot for the Augustinians in Rome.

He also has a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

In addition to becoming the first U.S.-born pope, he is the first Augustinian as well.

What are Robert Prevost’s international credentials?

In 1985, Prevost became part of an Augustine mission in Peru. He held the position of chancellor for the Territorial Prélature of Chulucanas for a year. He revisited the country in 1988 and spent a decade as the leader of the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo. During this time, he also taught canon law, served as the head of studies, and functioned as the prefect of studies.

In the year 2001, Prevost was chosen to serve a six-year tenure as Prior General of the Augustinians and was reelected in 2007, maintaining his position in Chicago. During this period, he held the role of director of formation at the Convent of St. Augustine in Chicago from 2013 to 2014. Afterward, he moved back to Peru, where he spent a year functioning as the Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo.

In 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo and remained in that post until 2023.

Born in Peru but also holding Peruvian citizenship, Prevost is fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and is proficient in reading both Latin and German as well.

Raúl E. Zegarra, an assistant professor of Catholic theological studies at Harvard Divinity School, made clear that Catholicism’s heart is not located in the United States or the North Atlantic, according to a statement he made to the New York Times.

When did Robert Prevost become a cardinal?

In 2023, Pope Francis elevated Prevost to the rank of cardinal and also appointed him as the Head of the Dicastery for Bishops, a department that assesses and proposes suitable individuals for bishop roles worldwide.

From 2023 to 2025, Prevost held the position of Cardinal-Deacon for the Augustinian church of Santa Monica (not the city in California) located in central Rome. Subsequently, he served as Cardinal-Bishop of Albano for a short period before being elected as the 267th Pope.

What is the significance of the name Pope Leo XIV?

Just like members of the British royal family, Popes have the ability to choose their own names, and on May 8, Prevost was presented as Pope Leo XIV. (In this context, ‘introduced’ can be replaced with ‘presented’)

Some adopt names in tribute to recent popes, such as the one who followed John Paul II, who sadly passed away just 33 days into his role in 1978. Alternatively, they might pick a name inspired by a far-off pope they aspire to resemble.

In a revolutionary turn of events, I found myself completely captivated as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio embarked on an unprecedented journey, assuming the role of Pope Francis – named after the beloved Saint Francis of Assisi. Known for his selfless devotion to the less fortunate, this humble man decided to relinquish riches and channel his life’s work towards serving those in need.

Pope Leo XIII led the church from 1878 until his death in 1903 at the age of 93.

He was famously referred to as both the “People’s Pope” and the “Modern Thinker Pope.” This signifies his reputation for being intellectually astute and forward-thinking in the realm of social issues.

In my perspective as a dedicated follower, I had the opportunity to journey to the Vatican for the pope’s election, being a Peruvian deacon named Cleider Pérez Mejía, 25. During his tenure as the head of the Diocese of Chiclayo, I observed that he performed his duties exceptionally well. The people there have a deep affection for him and feel deeply connected to him.

Mejía commented, “I think the name he selected holds significance too; Pope Leo XIII served as a mediator between modernity and the old regime. His choice of this name suggests a clear message about the role he intends to play during challenging times like these.

What was Cardinal Robert Prevost known for?

In terms of progressive views on immigration and aid for the less fortunate, Prevost stood out as one of the moderates among the potential successors of Pope Francis. Yet, he continued to adhere to Pope Francis’ objective of expanding the church to accommodate a wider range of believers from diverse backgrounds.

According to The Times, he is described as being “quiet and private,” which sets him apart from the more sociable Pope Francis. Remarkably, on the day before he passed away, Pope Francis disregarded medical advice and stepped out of his Popemobile to bless a newborn in St. Peter’s Square.

As a fervent admirer, I’ve often found myself drawn to express that Rev. Michele Falcone views Prevost as the “graceful and balanced” figure in our midst – a mentor to whom he looks up with profound respect.

“He does not have excesses,” Falcone said. “Blessing babies, yes. Taking them in his arms, no.”

I included my old acquaintance, Reverend Mark R. Francis, who stated, “I am aware that Bob holds the conviction that everyone possesses both the privilege and obligation to voice their opinions within the church.

What has been the reaction to Pope Leo XIV?

Everyone, regardless of their Catholic affiliation, finds themselves feeling a bit excited about the choice of someone hailing from Chicago.

Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost who has been appointed as Pope – an incredible achievement! As you can imagine, this is a significant honor not just for him but also for our nation. The anticipation of meeting Pope Leo XIV is building and I’m certain it will be a memorable encounter.” (President Donald Trump wrote this on his Truth Social platform.)

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but express my excitement! Barack Obama, a shining beacon from the Windy City who left his mark on history, took to X recently to extend warm congratulations. His words were directed towards a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This moment is not just significant for our city, but for the entire United States as well. As he embarks on this sacred journey of leading the Catholic Church, we, Michelle and I, will be offering our prayers, hoping that his actions inspire countless others, regardless of faith.

Chris Wimbush, acting president of Catholics for Choice – an American organization representing individuals who adhere to the faith yet champion reproductive freedoms – expressed in a statement their warm reception towards Leo XIV. They are hopeful that he will serve as a pope guided by principles of peace, fairness, and acceptance.

He went on to say, ‘Pope Leo, as both bishop and cardinal, has crossed boundaries in his service to the impoverished and immigrants. His election today brings fresh optimism for a Catholic church that prioritizes synodality, inspired by Pope Francis’s spirit. Although he takes over from a great predecessor, we look forward to seeing how he will make the church his own and lead it into the future.’

As the introduction of Pope Leo XIV unfolds, it’s always advantageous to begin considering potential portrayers. Let’s take a look at the actors who have previously brought the role of the pope to life on screen throughout history.

The Holiday star portrayed the fictional, upstart Pope Pius XIII on the TV series The Young Pope.

In the 2019 biographical movie “The Two Popes,” the actor who starred as Hannibal Lecter from “The Silence of the Lambs” played the role of Pope Benedict XVI.

In a different role, the actor who starred in “Slow Horses” appeared alongside Anthony, portraying Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who later became known as Pope Francis.

In the 1991 movie “The Pope Must Die,” the actor who portrayed Harry Potter took on the role of fictional character Father Albinizi, who unintentionally became Pope.

In Pope John Paul II, the National Treasure alum played the titular pope.

The Princess Bride actor played the younger version of Jon’s Pope John Paul II.

I, a devoted admirer, had the privilege of stepping into the shoes of the future Pope John Paul II in the captivating television series, “Karol: The Man Who Became Pope.

2025-05-08 23:19