This May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church has elected its new spiritual leader: U.S. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has adopted the name Leo XIV.
The election was announced following the traditional white smoke that emerged from the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m., marking the end of the conclave and the beginning of a new pontificate.
Who is Robert Francis Prevost?
Born September 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martinez, of Spanish descent.
He entered the novitiate of the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982.
In 1985, he was sent as a missionary to Peru, where he directed the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo for a decade.
Robert Francis Prevost has adopted the name Leo XIV
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Subsequently, he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.
His work in Peru led him to obtain Peruvian citizenship, consolidating his connection with Latin America.
In January 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
As well as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, roles he held until his election as pope.
A Pope for a global Church
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The election of Leo XIV represents a historic milestone as the first pontiff from the United States.
His multicultural experience and trajectory in Latin America reflect an increasingly global and diverse Church.
Robert Francisc Prevost is known for his moderate approach and commitment to unity and peace, values he emphasized in his first “Urbi et Orbi” message after his election.
Leo XIV assumed leadership of the Church at a time of significant challenges.
Including the need to address internal divisions, the vocation crisis and increasing secularization in many parts of the world.
In addition, he is expected to continue with the reforms initiated by his predecessor.
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