Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States, aged 69, was presented as the 267th Pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025, choosing the name Leo XIV. This election comes after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, marking a significant transition in the leadership of the Catholic Church. Prevost is notable for being the first American Pope, although he is often regarded as a Latin American cardinal due to his extensive missionary work in Peru.
As the new Pope, Leo XIV's episcopal motto is "In Illo uno unum," which translates to "In one, we are one," a phrase attributed to Saint Augustine. This motto reflects his commitment to unity among Christians. During the last hospitalization of Pope Francis, Prevost presided over the rosary for his predecessor's health on March 3, 2025, demonstrating his close ties to the former Pope.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost's journey within the Church began when he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977. He made his first profession in 1978 and was ordained a priest in 1982. His academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Villanova University, a master's degree in Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Prevost's missionary work in Peru began in 1985, and he served in various capacities, including as a parish priest and a teacher at a seminary in Trujillo. His leadership roles expanded when he became the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in 2014 and was subsequently appointed as bishop in 2015. His tenure in Chiclayo lasted until 2023, during which he became known for his commitment to social justice and support for marginalized communities.
In January 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a position that allowed him to play a crucial role in selecting bishops worldwide. In September 2023, he was elevated to the cardinalate, highlighting his significant influence within the Church.
Prevost's election as Pope was the result of a two-day conclave, where 133 cardinals participated. His relative obscurity on the global stage did not hinder his election, as he is known for his calm demeanor and alignment with the progressive views of Pope Francis, particularly regarding social justice issues.
In his inaugural address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Leo XIV expressed deep respect for his predecessor, stating, "We still hear in our ears that brave voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome and giving his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. Let me continue that same blessing: God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the mother of God, so without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward." This message of unity and hope resonated with the crowd gathered below.
Leo XIV's first speech emphasized the need for dialogue and building bridges within humanity, stating, "Humanity needs bridges to be reached by God. Building bridges with dialogue, so we can be one people always in peace." His words indicate a commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding within the Church and beyond.
Despite his progressive reputation, Prevost's career has not been without controversy. During his tenure as prior provincial in Chicago, he faced scrutiny for his handling of a case involving a priest who had been convicted of abuse. Supporters argue that Prevost was not responsible for the situation, as the priest was not an Augustinian and the case predated the establishment of the Dallas Charter aimed at addressing sexual abuse in the Church.
More recently, while serving as bishop in Chiclayo, he dealt with allegations regarding his management of abuse cases involving two priests accused of molesting three girls. Although Prevost faced criticism for his actions, the diocese maintained that he took the necessary steps to address the allegations, including opening canonical investigations and encouraging victims to report to civil authorities.
In May 2025, new accusations emerged claiming that the diocese paid $150,000 to silence victims, further complicating Prevost's reputation as he assumed the papacy. Nevertheless, he is viewed as a candidate for consensus among the cardinals, with his international experience and alignment with Pope Francis's pastoral vision being key factors in his election.
Prevost's approach to church leadership is characterized by a focus on humility and service to the poor. He has expressed that a bishop should not be a "little prince sitting in his kingdom" but rather a leader called to walk closely with the people he serves. His advocacy for the inclusion of divorced Catholics receiving Holy Communion reflects his commitment to pastoral care, although he appears less inclined to pursue LGBT+ support compared to his predecessor.
As the first American Pope, Leo XIV's election comes at a time when the Catholic Church in the United States faces challenges, with only 20% of adults identifying as Catholic. His leadership style, which emphasizes dialogue and outreach, may be pivotal in revitalizing the Church's connection with its followers.
In summary, Pope Leo XIV's election marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church's history, blending American and Latin American influences. His commitment to social justice, unity, and dialogue positions him as a leader who may continue the progressive reforms initiated by Pope Francis while navigating the complexities of contemporary Church issues. The world will be watching closely as Leo XIV embarks on this new chapter for the Catholic Church.
