Pope Leo XIV: Everything You Should Know About The New Pope
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope of the Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8, following a two-day, four-round papal conclave.
Cardinal Prevost chose the name Pope Leo XIV, making him the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, following the late Pope Francis.
Prevost’s election was significant since he became the first American to ascend to the papacy in the Catholic Church’s long history.
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. pic.twitter.com/7COawsKvWu
Interestingly, he is the second consecutive Pope from the Americas, following his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was from South America.
His election surprised many observers, who initially saw Italian cardinals Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as probable successors to Pope Francis.
So, who exactly is Cardinal Prevost? Prior to his election as Pope, the 69-year-old led the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which was in charge of evaluating candidates for top clergy worldwide.
The late Pope Francis bestowed upon him the position, which came after he served as the bishop of the Chiclayo diocese in Peru from 2014 to 2023.
Despite this, he had been a missionary for nearly 30 years, acting as Director of Formation for Augustinian seminarians, parish pastor, and canon law specialist.
In his time in Peru, he was known for building strong ties with local communities and clergy and even got Peruvian citizenship in 2015.
Prevost was also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that kept him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in a region of the world that still counts the most Catholics.
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Italian, French, and Spanish origin.
He served as an altar boy and is a member of the monastic Order of St. Augustine (O.S.A.), which he joined in 1977 and made his solemn profession in 1981.
Being in the O.S.A. entails being a member of a Catholic religious order that follows the Rule of St. Augustine, living a life of community, prayer, and service inspired by the teachings and example of St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the great early Church Fathers.
Pope Leo XIV greets the world for the first time to grant his Urbi et Orbi blessing. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Successor of Peter by the 133 Cardinal electors on Thursday, May 8. pic.twitter.com/Xzusx6gLoe
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
Pope Leo XIV studied mathematics at Villanova University (an Augustinian-run Catholic university).
He later received a Doctorate in Canon Law (JCD) from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV was ordained to the priesthood on June 19, 1982. In 2020, he was named to the Congregation for Bishops.
Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
"Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd, who gave… pic.twitter.com/AqJcOpK5Ge
Pope Francis raised Pope Leo XIV to Cardinal on September 30, 2023.
He is set to be officially inaugurated as the new Pope in a solemn and symbolic ritual known as the Papal Inauguration Mass in a few days.
It follows the Pope’s election in the conclave and comprises various ancient ceremonies that confirm his new function as Bishop of Rome and global shepherd of the Catholic Church.
There have been 13 popes called Leo, many of whom helped shape Church teaching and maintain its authority.
The name “Leo,” which means “lion” in Latin, is closely associated with courage, leadership, and ideological strength.
Choosing Leo as his papal name may symbolize commitment, theological clarity, and pastoral courage as the new Pope takes on his new job.
In his first comments as Pope, Leo XIV spoke kindly of his predecessor, Francis.
Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Urbi et Orbi Apostolic Blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
The 69-year-old American, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the 267th Pope on May 8 during the first full day of the conclave.
Read more: https://t.co/zMLupLMKzk pic.twitter.com/ZZTh1fxvLA
“We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us,” he said.
“United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,” he told cheering crowds.
ALSO READ:
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
- “NO MORE NIL TAX RETURNS!” – KRA Tells Kenyans, Introduces New Changes
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
- President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
- Kenya Goes After British Oil Giant Over Hundreds Of Deaths In The North
Given that Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals who participated in the conclave, it is not surprising that Prevost was elected, even if he was only recently appointed.
He will be viewed as someone who supported the continuation of Francis’ reforms in the Catholic Church. Prevost is thought to have shared Francis’ beliefs about migrants, the poor, and the environment.
Global leaders, including fellow countryman and US President Donald Trump, as well as important European heads of state and government, congratulated the Roman Catholic Church’s new leader.
Pope Leo XIV’s tenure as pontiff is expected to be closely watched, considering that he hails from a country where Catholics are underrepresented, and other concerns such as wars, migration issues, and global geopolitics abound.
Pope Leo XIV: Everything You Should Know About The New Pope
