Robert Francis Prevost has made history as the first American to lead the Catholic Church, adopting the papal name Pope Leo XIV. At 69, Prevost, who hails from Chicago, previously served as the prefect of the Vatican’s influential dicastery for bishops, where he was responsible for overseeing bishop nominations globally.
Prevost’s ecclesiastical journey is rich, having first established his ministry as a missionary in Peru before becoming the Archbishop of Chiclayo. His work in Latin America has been extensive and pivotal. In 2014, he was appointed by Pope Francis to manage the diocese in Chiclayo, a role he held until he was called to Rome in 2023 for his current position.
Born on September 14, 1955, Prevost possesses dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. As the head of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America under Pope Francis, he was a familiar face among the Church’s hierarchy, entering the conclave with considerable influence.
Pope Francis had championed Prevost for many years, demonstrating confidence in him by moving him through key roles, including his leadership in the Augustinian order. Despite his American roots, which some viewed as a potential drawback due to the US’s significant global presence, Prevost has successfully navigated this aspect of his identity by also being a long-time resident of Peru.
While in Rome, Prevost adopted a modest public presence yet remained well-connected with influential Church figures. Notably, he played a crucial role in implementing one of Pope Francis’s significant reforms, which included the historic decision to allow women to participate in the bishop nomination process. His elevation to a senior cardinal rank in early 2025 solidified his status as a significant choice for future papal conclaves.
Robert Prevost’s election signifies a new chapter for the Catholic Church, reflecting a blend of American and Latin American influences, as well as a commitment to progressive reforms within the Church governance structure.