On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election by 133 cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel followed the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American-born pope, marking a historic milestone for the global Catholic community. His election reflects a deep legacy of missionary service, ecclesial leadership, and commitment to unity, shaped by decades of work across the Americas.

Born on September 14, 1955, to Louis Marius Prevost, a French-Italian catechist, and Mildred Martínez of Spanish heritage, Robert Prevost was raised in a devout Catholic family. Early exposure to the Church’s life—including serving as an altar boy and welcoming clergy into his home—shaped his calling to the priesthood.

In 1977, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) after completing a mathematics degree at Villanova University. He went on to earn a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.

His pastoral journey took him to Peru in 1985, where he spent nearly three decades as a missionary, educator, and Church administrator. From seminary rector to bishop of Chiclayo, he became a key figure in strengthening the Church during political unrest.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican role in charge of appointing bishops around the world. He was created cardinal later that year and led the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Known for his humility, deep spirituality, and emphasis on pastoral care, Pope Leo XIV brings a blend of American roots and Latin American missionary experience to the papacy. He is expected to champion Church reform, promote global unity, and guide the Church through the challenges of the modern world.

His key milestones include:

• Ordained priest: June 19, 1982

• Ordained bishop: December 12, 2014

• Made cardinal: September 30, 2023

• Elected pope: May 8, 2025

Pope Leo XIV also serves or has served on multiple Vatican dicasteries, including those for Clergy, Evangelization, Doctrine of the Faith, Eastern Churches, Consecrated Life, Culture and Education, and Legislative Texts.

As he begins his papacy, the world watches to see how this American pope will navigate tradition, reform, and global challenges in the years to come.