Vatican City, May 2025 — In a moment of great historical significance, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., was elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he became the first American-born pope in Church history, signaling a new chapter in global Catholic leadership.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV brings with him decades of experience as a missionary, educator, and ecclesial leader, rooted in his vocation with the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.). A scholar of canon law and a former missionary in Peru, he has long been known for his pastoral compassion, theological depth, and strong administrative acumen.
Before his election to the papacy, Cardinal Prevost served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, appointed by Pope Francis in January 2023. His prior ecclesial service includes nearly a decade as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, where he was also deeply engaged with the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, as well as leadership roles in the Augustinian Order, including multiple terms as Prior General.
Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name is a deliberate and symbolic nod to Pope Leo XIII, whose 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. In choosing this name, the new pontiff signals his intention to continue advocating for social justice, the dignity of labour , and the rights of the marginalised—key priorities also championed by Pope Francis.
In his first address from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with you all.” He spoke of a Church that must remain “open to the world, rooted in tradition, and guided by mercy.” Emphasising global unity, he added: “We walk together, as brothers and sisters, toward a future of justice and peace.”
Known for his missionary heart and theological clarity, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique blend of North American perspective and Latin American pastoral experience, reflecting the increasingly global face of the Church.
His extensive Vatican involvement also includes membership in multiple dicasteries, such as those for Evangelisation, Doctrine of the Faith, Eastern Churches, Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Culture and Education. These appointments reflect his deep familiarity with the complex administrative and spiritual needs of the universal Church.
As the Catholic world welcomes this new chapter, many observers note that Pope Leo XIV’s background and leadership style position him to bridge cultures, heal divisions, and lead with humility. His pontificate is expected to focus on reinvigorating evangelisation, defending the dignity of workers and migrants, and strengthening the Church’s moral voice in an increasingly polarised world.
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks not just a new beginning for the Church, but a reaffirmation of its mission to be a beacon of hope, mercy, and truth in the modern world. – IP/VC
