After white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, at 6:07 p.m., Vatican time, and the words “Habemus Papam!” echoed from the Vatican balcony, the world turned its eyes to the man stepping into one of the most powerful spiritual roles on Earth.
The conclave—composed of 133 cardinal electors—had reached a decision on its third ballot during the second day of voting, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88.
With over a billion Catholics awaiting his guidance, Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy at a time of great global change, spiritual searching, and renewed calls for reform within the Church.
Here are quick facts about Robert Francis Prevost, or Pope Leo XIV, who was elected Thursday as the 267th pope:
Read: The Pope Dies: What happens next in the Vatican?
POPE LEO XIV BASIC INFO
Birth Name: Robert Francis Prevost
Date of Birth: September 14, 1955
Age: 69
Nationality: Dual citizen – United States and Peru
Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois
Parents: Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martinez Prevost
Siblings: Two older brothers—Louis and John
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese
PREVIOUS ROLES
- Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (2023–2025)
- President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America
- Archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2014–2023)
- Twice-elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order
PAPAL PATH
Appointed cardinal by Pope Francis, Prevost was called to Rome in 2023 to lead the Dicastery for Bishops—one of the Vatican’s most powerful offices, responsible for evaluating and recommending bishop appointments worldwide.
During his tenure, he oversaw pivotal reforms, including a landmark decision to involve women in the discernment process for episcopal candidates.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
Read: Pope Francis dies at 88
ROOTS IN MISSION AND LATIN AMERICA
Although born in Chicago, Prevost spent much of his ministry in Peru—initially as a missionary, then as archbishop of Chiclayo.
In 2015, he obtained Peruvian citizenship, further deepening his ties to the region. His lived experience in Latin America aligned closely with Pope Francis’s vision for a more globally connected and pastoral Church.
Source: The Washington Post
LEADERSHIP STYLE
Widely regarded as humble and grounded, Leo XIV is admired for his quiet consistency, spiritual discipline, and warmth.
Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, a priest from his former diocese, recalls how he began each day with a prayer and joined his fellow clergy at the breakfast table—never allowing the demands of high office to distance him from community life.
Source: Star Tribune
BREAKING THE MOLD
His election challenges a long-standing informal resistance to an American pope, stemming from concerns about U.S. global influence.
But Leo XIV’s dual nationality and long-standing service in Peru gave him a unique pastoral identity that softened that resistance—allowing him to be seen less as an extension of U.S. power and more as a product of Latin American ministry.
Source: AP News
IDEOLOGICAL STANCE
Pope Leo XIV is widely regarded as a centrist within the Catholic Church hierarchy, harmonizing progressive social outreach with adherence to traditional doctrine.
His progressive inclinations are evident in his efforts to include marginalized groups, notably overseeing reforms that incorporated women into the decision-making process for bishop nominations during his tenure as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Conversely, he maintains conservative positions on certain doctrinal matters, such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons.
Back in 2012, he drew attention due to remarks he made on LGBTQ+ matters.
In an address to bishops, he expressed concern that Western media and popular culture foster "sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel," specifically referencing the "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children."
These comments suggest a more traditional stance compared to Pope Francis's pastoral approach toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
However, since then, Pope Leo XIV has not made extensive public statements on LGBTQ+ issues, leaving some uncertainty about how his views may have evolved over time.
His approach positions the new Pope as a bridge-builder, aiming to continue Pope Francis's pastoral vision while upholding established Church teachings.
Source: The New York Times, GB News
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