Even before his name was officially announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, enthusiastic crowds below were chanting "Viva il Papa" — meaning "Long live the Pope." Robert Prevost, at 69 years old, is set to become the 267th Pope and will adopt the name Leo XIV. His election marks a historic moment as he is the first American to ascend to the papacy, although his extensive mission work in Peru has led many to view him as a cardinal rooted in Latin American heritage.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Prevost's early life was marked by a commitment to faith. He served as an altar boy before being ordained as a priest in 1982. Just three years later, he relocated to Peru, where he dedicated his life to missionary work and later returned to the United States to serve as a pastor and prior in his hometown.
Pope Leo XIV also holds Peruvian nationality and is celebrated for his efforts to support marginalized communities and foster connections across diverse groups. His decade-long tenure as a local parish pastor and educator at a seminary in Trujillo, in northwestern Peru, solidified his reputation as a compassionate leader within the Church.
In his inaugural address as Pope, Leo XIV expressed deep respect for his predecessor, Pope Francis. He remarked, "We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us." He encouraged unity, stating, "United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together," as he addressed the jubilant crowds gathered in Vatican City.
Pope Leo XIV's connection to the Augustinian Order began at the age of 30 when he joined a mission in Peru. Following Pope Francis's election, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014, and his influence grew as he took on high-profile responsibilities, including serving as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America. This position involves crucial tasks such as selecting and supervising bishops across the region.
His recent elevation to archbishop in January 2023 and subsequent promotion to cardinal emphasizes his rising prominence within the Church. With approximately 80% of the cardinals present at the conclave having been appointed by Pope Francis, Prevost's election is seen as a continuation of Francis's reformative agenda within the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV is believed to align closely with Pope Francis's views on critical issues such as migration, poverty, and environmental concerns. As a cardinal, he has openly challenged political figures, including the US Vice-President, regarding their stances on social justice. He has publicly critiqued the Trump administration's deportation policies and has emphasized the importance of unconditional love, stating, "Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."
While he is an American, Prevost's Latin American roots reflect a commitment to continuity following a Pope from Argentina, making him the second pope from the Americas and the first Augustinian pope in history. His leadership promises to resonate with a diverse global congregation.
During his tenure as archbishop in Peru, Prevost has faced challenges, including the ongoing sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the Catholic Church. However, his diocese has consistently denied any involvement in cover-up attempts, standing firm in their support for his leadership.
Before the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni highlighted the need for a pope who embodies a "prophetic spirit," someone capable of guiding a Church that seeks to illuminate a world often shrouded in despair. As Pope Leo XIV takes on this monumental role, many are hopeful that he will lead with compassion and integrity, fostering a Church that reaches out to those in need.
