Who is Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV?

Before his name was announced, crowds chanted “Viva il Papa” below St. Peter's Basilica. Robert Prevost, 69, is the new Pope Leo XIV. He is the 267th occupant of the papal throne. Prevost is the first American Pope but has strong ties to Latin America.

Born in Chicago in 1955, he has Spanish and Franco-Italian roots. He served as an altar boy and became a priest in 1982. Three years later, he moved to Peru as a missionary. He returned often to the U.S. to serve as a pastor.

Prevost holds Peruvian nationality and worked with marginalized communities there. He spent ten years as a parish pastor and taught at a seminary in Trujillo. In his first words as Pope, he honored his predecessor, Francis.

He said, “We still hear the courageous voice of Pope Francis.” He urged unity with God while addressing cheering crowds. At age 30, he joined an Augustinian mission in Peru.

Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo shortly after becoming Pope. Prevost is well-known among cardinals for his role in selecting bishops in Latin America. He became archbishop and cardinal in January 2023.

Eighty percent of cardinals at the conclave were appointed by Francis. This made Prevost’s election unsurprising despite his recent appointment. He supports continuity of Francis’ reforms within the Catholic Church.

Prevost shares views on migrants, poverty, and environmental issues with Francis. His American identity acknowledges divisions within the Church but also represents continuity from Argentina's Pope Francis.

The Vatican noted that he is the second pope from the Americas and the first Augustinian pope. While in Peru, he faced sexual abuse scandals; however, his diocese denied any cover-up involvement.

Before the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni emphasized choosing a pope with "a prophetic spirit." They sought someone who could lead a Church that reaches out to those in despair.