Things to know about newly elected Catholic Pope, Leo XIV

History was made at the Vatican as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the world, the 69-year-old Chicago native becomes the first-ever pope from the United States and now leads over 1.4 billion Catholics globally.

Here are key facts to know about the new pontiff:

1. First American Pope in History
Pope Leo XIV’s election breaks a centuries-old tradition, making him the first pope from the United States. Though the idea of an American pope was long considered unlikely due to the country’s dominant global influence, Prevost’s deep missionary experience in South America likely helped ease concerns among cardinal electors.

2. Elected on Day Two of the Conclave
Like his immediate predecessors, Pope Francis and Benedict XVI, Pope Leo XIV was elected on the second day of voting, indicating strong support among the 133 cardinal electors.

3. Deep Missionary Roots in Latin America
Before his rise to global leadership, Prevost spent over a decade as a missionary in Trujillo, Peru. He later became bishop of Chiclayo in 2014 and served there until 2023. His long years of service in Latin America reflect his global outlook and pastoral depth.

4. Experienced Vatican Leader
Until his election, Prevost led the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing appointments of bishops worldwide. He also served as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, giving him influence on major decisions within the Church.

5. Member and Former Leader of the Augustinian Order
Prevost is a member of the Augustinian religious order and once led the global congregation as prior general, equipping him with significant leadership experience across diverse cultural contexts.

6. Academic and Canon Law Background
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University, a theology diploma from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He also taught canon law in a Peruvian seminary.

7. Advocates for Missionary Spirit and Reform
Prevost has consistently described himself as a missionary at heart. In past interviews, he emphasized the importance of Gospel-centered leadership, meaningful inclusion of women in Church decision-making, and stronger efforts to address clerical abuse.

8. Seen as Calm, Balanced, and Visionary
Church insiders describe Pope Leo XIV as an “exceptional leader” known for his calm demeanor, clarity of thought, and collaborative leadership style—qualities that earned him respect both in Rome and abroad.

As the Catholic world adjusts to a new spiritual leader, all eyes are now on Pope Leo XIV to see how he will build upon the legacy of Pope Francis and shape the Church in an era of change and global challenges.