Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, elected on May 8, 2025. He is the first American-born pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. Before his election, he served extensively as a missionary in Peru, was head of the Augustinian order from 2001 to 2013, and later became Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and made him a cardinal
. Leo XIV is known for his moderate political stance, diplomatic skills, and commitment to continuing Pope Francis's agenda. His papal name honors Pope Leo XIII, reflecting his concern for social teaching and the challenges posed by modern technological advances such as artificial intelligence and robotics
. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru and is the second pope from the Americas after Pope Francis
. His background includes a degree in mathematics and philosophy from Villanova University, theological education in Chicago, and advanced studies in Canon Law in Rome. His missionary work in Peru involved pastoral, administrative, and teaching roles. He is recognized for emphasizing synodality, missionary dialogue, and addressing social issues like climate change, migration, and human rights
. In summary, Leo XIV is a historically significant pope as the first American-born pontiff, a member of the Augustinian order, and a leader focused on addressing contemporary social and technological challenges within the Church
