The new pope, elected in May 2025, is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV. He is the 267th pope and notably the first American-born pontiff, hailing from Chicago

Background and Career

• Born in 1955, Prevost is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent

• He spent about two decades serving in Peru, where he became a bishop and a naturalized citizen

• He was ordained in 1982 and holds a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome

• Before his election, he was prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection and management of bishops worldwide, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America

• He belongs to the Augustinian order and has been involved in missionary work, education, and leadership within his order

Election and Papacy

• The 2025 conclave elected him on the fourth ballot out of 135 eligible cardinal electors

• He chose the name Leo XIV and delivered his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, emphasizing peace and continuity with Pope Francis' legacy

• His election was seen as historic due to his American nationality and his leadership style, which is expected to be more reserved and tactful compared to Francis, but still consultative

Views and Priorities

• He is known for his commitment to aiding the poor and migrants, reflecting a pastoral approach focused on solidarity and inclusion

• While his stance on LGBTQ+ issues is less clear and more conservative than Francis, he has expressed concern about cultural trends conflicting with Gospel teachings

• He opposes aggressive political Christian influence, particularly criticizing harsh immigration policies in the U.S.

• He shares several priorities with Pope Francis, including environmental issues and support for marginalized communities

Significance

• Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States and the first from the Augustinian order

• His election reflects the increasingly global and diverse nature of the Catholic Church's leadership, with a broader representation of non-European cardinals

In summary, Pope Leo XIV is a 69-year-old American with extensive pastoral and administrative experience, especially in Latin America, who is expected to continue many of Francis' consultative and social priorities while bringing a more reserved style to the papacy