In a historic turn for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected pope—becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. He has chosen the name Leo XIV, becoming the first pope to take this name in over a century. His election marks a significant moment not only for the United States, but for the entire American continent, as the Church increasingly reflects a global and multicultural identity.
Prevost, 69, was born in Chicago to a family of French descent. An Augustinian friar with a doctorate in Canon Law, he spent much of his life between North and South America, shaping a profile that blends deep theological knowledge with pastoral experience across diverse communities. From 1985 to 1999, he served as a missionary in Peru, a country that became central to his spiritual and ecclesial journey.
After returning to the U.S., he led the Order of Saint Augustine worldwide from 2001 to 2013. That year, he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo, a diocese in northern Peru, where he gained recognition for his work with marginalized populations and migrants—an approach deeply aligned with the pastoral priorities of Pope Francis.
In 2023, Pope Francis brought him to Rome to head the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, where Prevost played a key role in shaping the global episcopate. He also presided over the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His ability to move between languages—he speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian fluently—and cultures made him a unique bridge between continents, earning him the nickname “the Latino Yankee.”
As prefect, he was known for his balanced and discreet leadership, as well as his loyalty to the Franciscan vision of an open, missionary, and inclusive Church. He notably helped resolve tensions during Germany’s controversial Synodal Path, steering the dialogue back toward unity without causing rupture.
His election to the papacy reflects a rare consensus in a deeply divided College of Cardinals. While Latin American cardinals lacked a clear candidate, and the U.S. bloc was split between progressives and conservatives, Prevost emerged as a figure acceptable to both. His experience in Latin America and his roots in the U.S. helped forge this unique coalition.
Prevost’s path to the papacy, however, has not been without shadows. He has faced accusations of covering up clerical abuse both in Chicago and Peru. In both cases, he has defended his actions, stating he followed civil procedures and encouraged victims to report to the authorities. While these allegations did not block his rise, they may shape the early challenges of his pontificate.
As the new pope, Robert Francis Prevost embodies a Church that is increasingly global, multilingual, and engaged with the social challenges of the 21st century. His election is being watched closely around the world—and especially across the Americas, from the barrios of Lima to the parishes of the Midwest.
