The current pope is Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on May 8, 2025. His birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, and he is the first pope born in the United States. He chose the papal name Leo XIV upon his election. Prior to becoming pope, Prevost was a cardinal who served in various leadership roles within the Vatican and was known for his commitment to aiding the poor and migrants. He succeeds Pope Francis, who served as pope from 2013 until his death in April 2025

. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the 266th pope and served from 2013 until his death in 2025. He was notable as the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first pope from outside Europe since the 8th century