The new pope is Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost. He was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the 267th pope and the first American-born pontiff. He was born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He has deep roots in the Catholic Church, having spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru, where he also served as a bishop and holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru

. Pope Leo XIV is notable for being the first pope from the Augustinian order and for his multicultural background, including Creole heritage linked to New Orleans. He is fluent in multiple languages and has a global pastoral outlook shaped by his extensive missionary work in Latin America. His election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis' priorities, especially regarding care for migrants, the poor, and environmental issues

. At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV has expressed a desire to promote peace, justice, and unity within the Church and across the world. He has been described as more reserved and diplomatic than his predecessor and has a strong commitment to the global Catholic community beyond national identities