Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is the 267th pope and the first American to hold the papacy. He was born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Franco-Italian heritage and was ordained a priest in 1982
. He has strong ties to Latin America, having spent many years as a missionary and church leader in Peru, where he also holds citizenship. Prevost served as a parish pastor and seminary educator in Trujillo, Peru, and was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo there. He was elevated to archbishop in January 2023 and made a cardinal by Pope Francis shortly thereafter
. Pope Leo XIV is seen as a continuity candidate following Pope Francis, sharing similar views on migrants, the poor, and environmental issues. He is known for his work with marginalized communities and has been vocal on social issues, including criticizing harsh immigration policies in the U.S.
. His election came after a conclave lasting only 24 hours, reflecting broad support among the cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis
. In his inaugural address, he called for unity and working together with God, expressing admiration for his predecessor
. The official papal inauguration Mass is scheduled for May 18, 2025, in St. Peter's Square, marking the formal start of his papacy
. Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the Augustinian order and only the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis
. In summary, Pope Leo XIV is a 69-year-old American with deep Latin American roots, a missionary background, and a commitment to continuing the reformist and inclusive agenda of Pope Francis
