In a historic move that has captured global attention, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, making him the first American pontiff in history. Upon his election, he took the name Pope Leo XIV, signaling a new chapter for the Church and its 1.4 billion followers around the world.
From the symbolic white smoke billowing above the Sistine Chapel to his first public words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica—“Peace be with you”—Pope Leo XIV’s ascension carries spiritual, cultural, and political resonance.
In his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV expressed humility and unity:
“I want to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to be the successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united church, always seeking peace and justice.”
A Historic Election
Prevost’s election came on the second day of the papal conclave, with cardinals from around the world gathering to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. The announcement was met with ringing bells across Rome and cheering crowds at St. Peter’s Square, as the newly elected pope stepped onto the balcony smiling, waving with both hands, and bowing to the faithful.
Despite long being considered a potential contender, many believed an American pope was unlikely due to the geopolitical influence the United States already holds. Prevost, however, holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, a fact that may have bolstered his candidacy by giving him a more international identity.
Early Life and Education
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, into a devout Catholic family. From an early age, he was involved in religious life, serving as an altar boy and attending parish school, followed by seminary high school.
His academic background includes:
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Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Villanova University (1977)
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Master’s degree in Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago
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Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University in Rome
Prevost is fluent in several languages, a skill that would later support his global ministry.
Missionary Work and Rise in Church Leadership
Missionary Work in Peru
In 1985, shortly after his ordination in 1982, Prevost was sent to Peru for missionary work—marking the beginning of a relationship with the country that would span decades.
Prevost dedicated nearly two decades of his early priesthood to missionary work in Peru, a period only briefly interrupted from 1987 to 1988 when he returned to the U.S. to serve as pastor for vocations and director of missions for the Augustinian Province of Chicago.
He returned to Peru, where he became deeply embedded in the local church, earning admiration for his compassionate outreach and practical efforts, including walking through floodwaters to help people during natural disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was involved in securing oxygen plants to assist struggling communities.
Climbing the Ecclesiastical Ladder
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1998: Elected provincial of the Augustinian Province of Chicago
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1999: Returned to the U.S. to serve as prior provincial of the Midwest Augustinians
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Later became prior general of the Augustinian order worldwide
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2014: Returned to Peru, appointed as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo
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2015–2023: Served as bishop of Chiclayo
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2018–2023: Vice-president and member of the permanent council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference
During his time in the Peruvian bishops’ conference, the group played a crucial role in maintaining institutional stability amid the political upheaval that saw the overthrow of multiple Peruvian presidents.
Vatican Leadership and Path to the Papacy
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost to one of the most influential posts in the Vatican:
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Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for the global selection of bishops
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Also appointed as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America
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Elevated to the rank of cardinal
He succeeded Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who resigned amid sexual assault allegations that were later dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence.
In February 2024, Prevost was made a cardinal-bishop, the highest rank within the College of Cardinals—a move that further signaled his growing influence in Vatican leadership.
Controversies and Challenges
Prevost has faced allegations of mishandling or failing to act on sexual abuse cases involving priests in both Peru and the United States. While these concerns did not prevent his rise within the Church, they remain part of the broader discussion surrounding accountability and transparency in the Church hierarchy.
A ‘Dark Horse’ Papal Candidate
Despite his credentials, Prevost was considered a “dark horse” by Vatican observers. According to The Independent, he quietly emerged as a prominent candidate only in the days leading up to the conclave.
Many believed an American would be a long shot for the papacy, due to concerns about the global dominance of U.S. political and economic influence. However, Prevost’s dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, along with his extensive missionary experience and international roles, helped bridge that gap.
His reserved and discreet leadership style is expected to contrast stylistically with Pope Francis, though his supporters believe he will likely continue Francis’s consultative approach, especially in involving lay people in decision-making processes.
Why Pope Leo XIV?
Prevost chose the name Leo XIV, aligning himself with a tradition of socially progressive popes. The most recent Pope Leo, Leo XIII, served from 1878 to 1903 and is remembered for pioneering modern Catholic social teaching and advocating for worker rights and economic justice.
Choosing this name is viewed by Vatican insiders as a symbolic signal of a commitment to reform, justice, and pastoral care, values often associated with his predecessor.
Political and Social Views
As a cardinal, Prevost was openly critical of certain U.S. political leaders, particularly on immigration and foreign aid issues. He reposted an article condemning Vice President JD Vance for misusing Catholic doctrine to justify cuts to humanitarian aid.
He also reposted images and commentary criticizing mass deportations under former President Donald Trump, drawing attention to the moral and legal consequences of mistakenly deporting individuals who had legal status in the U.S.
Interestingly, just days before the conclave, Trump had shared an AI-generated image of himself wearing papal robes. After Prevost’s election, Trump responded by calling it a “great honor for our country.”
Family Reactions and American Pride
His brother, John Prevost, shared the family’s pride and surprise in an interview with WGN News, describing his brother as “down to earth” and humble. He confirmed that the family had been in contact with Robert only briefly after his election.
When asked if he expected to see his brother in the papal role, John replied:
“Honestly? No. But we’re incredibly proud.”
A Passionate White Sox Fan
One of the lighter stories following the election involves Pope Leo XIV’s loyalty to the Chicago White Sox. After initial confusion with both Chicago baseball teams celebrating him, John clarified:
“Yeah, he was never, ever a Cubs fan… He was always a Sox fan.”
The Chicago White Sox celebrated the moment by displaying a sign at Guaranteed Rate Field reading:
“HEY CHICAGO, HE’S A SOX FAN!”
Their social media post read:
“Well, would you look at that… Congratulations to Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV.”
Pope Leo XIV’s rise marks a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s history and global identity. With roots in both Chicago and Peru, decades of missionary and administrative experience, and a calm, collaborative leadership style, he embodies a bridge between tradition and transformation.
While challenges remain—including past controversies and the evolving global role of the Church—Pope Leo XIV’s election signals a commitment to unity, justice, reform, and a deep pastoral connection with communities across the globe.
As the world watches this new chapter unfold, one thing is clear: the papacy has entered uncharted yet hopeful territory with its first American pope at the helm.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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