US-Born Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV

The Roman Catholic Church has chosen Robert Francis Prevost as its new pope, making him the first person born in the United States to lead the global religious institution. Now officially Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old was introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening.

Prevost’s election marks a significant milestone. Although born in Chicago, his formation and pastoral work span beyond U.S. borders.

Prevost succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away in April this year. Though born and raised in the United States, the new pope is closely associated with Latin America, where he spent much of his priesthood and held key leadership roles.

Background in Peru and the Vatican

Ordained in 1982, Prevost moved to Peru in 1985, serving for more than a decade in Trujillo as a parish priest and seminary educator. He later became bishop of Chiclayo in 2014, an appointment made by Pope Francis.

He most recently served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key Vatican body that oversees episcopal appointments, particularly in Latin America. His experience in the region and his fluency in Spanish have led many to describe him as “Latin American in spirit.”

In his first public remarks as pope, Leo XIV praised his predecessor’s legacy and called for “unity and service.” Vatican observers say his selection signals a continuation of Francis-era priorities, including poverty outreach, ecological action, and a more inclusive approach to pastoral care.

He has expressed support for allowing blessings of same-sex couples and other nontraditional unions, aligning with a controversial Vatican document issued under Pope Francis. However, he has emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity in how those guidelines are applied locally.

Leo XIV has also spoken frequently on environmental issues, calling for a shift “from words to action.” At the Vatican, he has backed practical steps such as the adoption of solar energy and electric vehicles.

Choice of Name Carries Symbolic Weight

By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope invokes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), known for his work on labor rights and Catholic social teaching during a period of rapid industrial change. Church historians say the choice signals an emphasis on social justice and global equity.

As prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost supported the inclusion of women in the process of selecting bishops—a shift first implemented under Pope Francis. In past statements, he has said women’s perspectives “enrich” Church governance and “contribute meaningfully” to decision-making.

Pope Leo XIV assumes leadership at a time of major internal and external challenges for the Catholic Church, including declining attendance in parts of the world, tensions over doctrine, and global environmental concerns.

Though it is early in his papacy, analysts say his selection reflects a desire for steady leadership with a global perspective—rooted in North America, shaped in Latin America, and focused on service rather than power.

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