5 facts about American Cardinal Robert Prevost who is the new Pope

New Pope Leo XIV Elected: 5 Things to Know About Cardinal Robert Prevost

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The conclave involved 133 cardinals from around the world. They voted for two days to select the new pope. During this time, cardinals could not leave or interact with outsiders.

Prevost is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He was born in Chicago and is 69 years old. Most of his career was spent in Peru.

He became a contender after Pope Francis passed away on May 8, 2025. Prevost speaks Spanish and Italian, which may help him connect with diverse communities.

Early Life and Family of Cardinal Robert Prevost

Prevost was born in Chicago, Illinois. He worked for the Augustinians early in his career. His parents are Mildred Martinez and Louis Marius Prevost.

His mother was Spanish, while his father had French and Italian roots. His father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later became a school administrator.

Prevost graduated from St. Augustine's minor seminary in 1973. In 1977, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University.

Cardinal Robert Prevost's Priesthood

In September 1977, Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine to become a priest. He made formal vows in August 1981 after initial vows in September 1978.

He received a Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982. On June 19 that year, Archbishop Jean Jadot consecrated him as a priest for the Augustinians.

From 1985 to 1998, he worked as a parish pastor and seminary instructor in Peru. In 2023, he was appointed cardinal and became Bishop of Chiclayo.

On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis named him titular bishop of Sufar and apostolic administrator of Chiclayo’s Diocese.

Contender for Papacy

After Pope Francis's death, Prevost emerged as a potential papal candidate. In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis.

This role increased his prominence within the Catholic Church before the conclave began.

Prevost was elected pope on May 8, becoming North America's first pope on day two of the conclave. He chose the name Leo XIV upon his election.