On May 8, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church made history: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected pope, becoming Pope Leo XIV—the first American-born pontiff. His election came after the passing of Pope Francis and followed a brief but pivotal conclave in Vatican City. While the Church has long had a global following, this moment marks a visible shift: a non-European pope, born in the United States, chosen to lead over a billion Catholics worldwide.
What does this mean for the Church’s direction? Who is Pope Leo XIV, and why was he chosen? Let’s explore.
From the Midwest to the Vatican
Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, and grew up in Dolton, Illinois, a suburb on the city’s southern edge. The son of a culturally diverse Catholic family—French, Italian, and Spanish in origin—he attended Catholic schools. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, taking his final vows in 1981.
His early academic journey led him to Villanova University, where he studied mathematics and philosophy before earning degrees in theology and canon law in Rome. In 1985, he was ordained a priest and later pursued missionary work abroad—an experience that would go on to shape much of his pastoral identity.
Missionary Leadership in Peru
Pope Leo XIV’s decades-long missionary service in Chiclayo, Peru, stands out. He served not just as a religious leader but as a community advocate—working with local clergy, addressing economic inequality, and developing close relationships with workers, educators, and farmers.
His fluency in Spanish and familiarity with Latin American life made him a trusted figure in a region where the Church continues to play a vital role in both faith and civil society. In 2014, he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo, and later, he became head of the Augustinian Order for Latin America.
He also acquired dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship, a reflection of his decades-long connection to the country he served. His background—American by birth, but deeply embedded in the global Church—made him a compelling figure in Vatican circles.
Rapid Rise in the Vatican
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, putting him in charge of overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide. In that same year, he was elevated to cardinal, placing him firmly within the Church’s highest leadership ranks.
These roles gave him considerable influence over how the global Church functions. He was also named President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, reinforcing his strong connections to the Global South and Pope Francis’s broader legacy.
Observers at the time noted his calm demeanor, pastoral sensitivity, and willingness to listen as defining traits. He was widely seen as a “bridge-builder,” with a focus on inclusion and justice—a continuation of the vision Pope Francis had started, but with a distinct voice of his own.
The Conclave and Election
Following Pope Francis’s passing on April 21, 2025, 133 cardinal-electors convened in the Sistine Chapel to begin the process of choosing the next pope. The conclave, though shorter than expected, was marked by serious discussions about the future of the Church in an increasingly secular, polarized, and digital world.
On the fourth ballot, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti soon appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, proclaiming, “Habemus Papam!”
Cardinal Prevost had accepted his election and chosen the name Leo XIV, in homage to Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church at the turn of the 20th century and is best known for his emphasis on social justice, especially in his landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum.
Why the Name’ Leo XIV’?
Pope Leo XIII is often remembered for steering the Church into the modern world while holding fast to traditional values. By taking the name Leo XIV, the new pope is signaling a similar intent: to respect the past while addressing the present with clarity and purpose.
In interviews before the conclave, several cardinals noted Prevost’s appreciation for Catholic social teaching, especially its calls to uphold the dignity of work, care for the poor, and promote peace. Choosing the name “Leo” not only honors a predecessor but frames his papacy within a legacy of action-driven reform.
First Public Acts as Pope
In his first appearance from the balcony of St. Peter’s, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowds with blessings in English, Spanish, and Italian—a nod to his international identity and commitment to accessibility. He asked for prayers not just for himself, but for the Church’s mission of compassion in a divided world.
The following day, he celebrated his first Mass as pope in the Sistine Chapel, where he urged Church leaders to remain humble and attentive to the voices of the poor, migrants, and young people. “The Church must not be a fortress,” he said. “It must be a light.”
The Global Reaction
His election prompted immediate responses from religious leaders, heads of state, and Catholic communities worldwide:
- President Donald Trump, who had previously criticized Pope Francis, offered congratulations and described Leo XIV as a “historic choice that honors American Catholics.”
- King Charles III sent a private message, calling the election “a hopeful moment for our shared values.”
In Peru, where Prevost served for decades, crowds gathered in celebration, waving both Peruvian and Vatican flags. Editorials across Europe, Latin America, and Africa noted the symbolic importance of choosing a pope from outside Europe, once again reinforcing the Church’s global character.
Challenges on the Horizon
Pope Leo XIV steps into leadership at a pivotal moment. Some of the most pressing issues he faces include:
- Declining Mass attendance in many Western countries
- Clergy shortages and shifting vocations
- Calls for reform around women’s roles in the Church
- Ongoing fallout from abuse scandals
- The role of the Church in global migration and climate justice
Many observers expect Leo XIV to continue Francis’s work on decentralization—empowering local bishops to respond to cultural and regional needs—while also focusing on healing divisions within the Church itself.
His background as a missionary, educator, and global pastor may offer the right blend of vision and empathy for these complex times.
A Papacy to Watch
For many Catholics—and non-Catholics alike—the election of Pope Leo XIV represents a turning point. He is the first American pope, the first pope fluent in English and Spanish at birth, and one of the few pontiffs in modern history with deep roots in both North and South America.
His leadership will likely be defined by his ability to unify, his focus on justice, and his commitment to dialogue. The Church doesn’t just face external challenges—it also must grapple with internal questions of identity, trust, and relevance.
Leo XIV begins his papacy not as a revolutionary, but as a thoughtful reformer—one who may offer continuity with his predecessor, but who also brings a distinct, grounded voice to the role.
Hope and Responsibility
Whether or not you’re Catholic, it’s hard to ignore the significance of this moment. Pope Leo XIV’s election is not just a milestone for the Church—it’s a reflection of a world in transition. As debates swirl around culture, justice, and the role of religion in public life, his leadership could shape conversations far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
One thing is clear: all eyes are on Pope Leo XIV. And for many, there is hope that his story—from Chicago to Chiclayo to Rome—will help write a new and compassionate chapter in the Church’s ongoing journey.
