The new pope, elected in May 2025, is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV. He is the first pope from the United States and was born in Chicago in 1955. Before his election, Prevost served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He has a long history of international service, including two decades in Peru where he became a naturalized citizen and served as a missionary, parish priest, educator, and bishop. He also led the Augustinian order globally and is fluent in Spanish and Italian

. Pope Leo XIV is known for being reserved and tactful, expected to continue consultative leadership styles initiated by Pope Francis, emphasizing lay participation in church affairs. His views on LGBTQ+ issues are more conservative compared to Francis; in a 2012 speech, he expressed concern about Western media promoting lifestyles he viewed as contradictory to the Gospel, specifically mentioning the "homosexual lifestyle" and same-sex families

. His election marks a historic moment as the first American pope, contrasting with the conservative Catholicism prevalent in parts of the U.S. He has publicly opposed harsh immigration policies and the politicization of Christian influence seen in recent American administrations

. The 2025 conclave that elected him was notable for its unprecedented size and diversity, with 133 cardinal electors from 71 countries, reflecting Pope Francis's efforts to internationalize the College of Cardinals. The conclave lasted four ballots before Prevost was chosen, reflecting a desire among cardinals for a pope with experience in the Roman Curia and a focus on internal church affairs

. In summary, Pope Leo XIV is a 69-year-old American with extensive pastoral and administrative experience, expected to maintain a consultative approach while potentially adopting a more conservative stance on social issues compared to his predecessor, Pope Francis