Behold, the white smoke has risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of a new pope to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. To the surprise of many, and perhaps as predicted by the Conclave (2024) movie, the least expected name, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has emerged as the new Pontiff. He has accepted the role as Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, choosing the name Pope Leo XIV.
Here’s everything you need to know, facts about Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost), the newly elected Pontiff as of 08 May 2025.
#1. First American Pope in History
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to be elected as the head of the Catholic Church. His election marks a historic milestone for both the United States and the global Catholic community.
#2. Dual Citizenship and Latin American Ties
While a Chicago native, Prevost also holds Peruvian citizenship, reflecting his long missionary and episcopal service in Peru. This dual identity helped him transcend traditional geopolitical concerns about an American pope.
#3. Chose the Name Leo XIV
Upon his election, he took the name Leo XIV, becoming the fifth pope to use the name “Leo” since the 19th century. The name is historically significant and suggests a link to previous popes known for reform and engagement with modern issues.
#4. Age and Early Life
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost is 69 years old at the time of his election. He is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent, and has two brothers. All three were born to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez.
#5. Academic and Religious Formation
Prevost studied mathematics and philosophy at Villanova University and later earned a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
#6. Augustinian Roots
He is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine, a 13th-century religious order. Prevost served as prior general of the Augustinians for two terms, giving him significant international leadership experience.
#7. Missionary and Episcopal Service in Peru
Prevost spent many years in Peru, first as a missionary and later as the bishop of Chiclayo. He was deeply involved in parish, diocesan, and educational work, and acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015.
#8. Key Vatican Roles Before the Papacy
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed then Bishop Robert Francis Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he oversaw the selection of bishops worldwide, a role that elevated his profile in the Vatican.
#9. Elected After a Swift Conclave
The papal conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was one of the shortest in recent history, concluding after just two days and four ballots, with 133 cardinal electors participating.
#10. Papal Motto and Vision
His papal motto is “In illo Uno unum” (“In the One, one”), reflecting a vision of unity in the Church. He is expected to continue the social justice and reformist trajectory of his predecessor, Pope Francis, with a focus on the marginalised and on global Church unity.
Pope Leo XIV’s unique background as an American with deep Latin American ties, his Augustinian heritage, and his Vatican leadership experience set the stage for a new chapter in Catholic history.
