In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope, choosing the name Leo XIV. The announcement came on May 8, 2025, with white smoke signaling his election from the Sistine Chapel after just 24 hours of conclave. At 69 years old, Prevost, an archbishop from Chicago, becomes the first US-American Pope, tasked with leading the 1.4 billion members of the global church.
Prevost's election is seen as a compromise and a unifying signal from a cardinal college that has faced cultural and political divides. With his diverse background, Prevost embodies a blend of American heritage, Latin American influence, and Roman leadership experience. Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of French, Spanish, and Italian descent, he initially studied mathematics before joining the Augustinian Order in 1977. He was ordained as a priest in Rome in 1982 and later earned a doctorate in canon law.
His missionary work in Peru during the mid-1980s was marked by significant contributions, including founding parishes and leading a seminary. In 2015, Prevost was appointed bishop of Chiclayo, a diocese in northern Peru, where he advocated for stability amid political crises. His role expanded in 2023 when he became the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, the Vatican authority responsible for appointing bishops worldwide, and he received the cardinal's hat that same year.
Prevost's ascension comes at a time when approximately 60 percent of the US population identifies as Catholic, according to Vatican reports from 2024. His extensive experience in Latin America, where the Catholic Church plays a vital role in social and cultural life, positions him as a bridge between different cultures and generations.
As a pragmatic diplomat, Prevost has been involved in mediating discussions between the German bishops and the Vatican during the contentious Synodal Path in 2023. His focus on dialogue and understanding reflects his commitment to fostering unity within the Church. However, his tenure is not without controversy; he faces allegations of not adequately addressing abuse cases during his time in Chicago and as bishop in Chiclayo, which he has denied.
Prevost is viewed as a moderate reformer, aligned with the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He has consistently called for decisive action against climate change and advocates for a more transparent and inclusive Church that listens to the voices of the faithful. His approach includes empowering laypeople and transforming church leadership by emphasizing listening over hierarchy.
Despite his progressive stances, Prevost has also expressed reservations about certain reforms, such as the ordination of women, warning against the "clericalization of women" during the 2023 World Synod. He believes that women already play significant roles within the Church and that further changes should be approached with caution.
As the first US-American Pope, Prevost's leadership will be closely watched, particularly as he navigates the complex dynamics between the Global North and South. His life story, spanning from Chicago to Peru and now to the Vatican's leadership, positions him uniquely to address the challenges facing the Catholic Church today.
In preparation for his inaugural appearance, the Vatican's renowned tailor, Raniero Mancinelli, is crafting the traditional papal garments for Prevost. Mancinelli, who has dressed three Popes over his 70-year career, is creating three complete papal robes in different sizes to accommodate Prevost's stature. Each outfit will include hats, a cloak, a sash, a cassock, and red shoes, all crafted with the utmost care.
Mancinelli's workshop, 'Mancinelli Clero,' has been in operation since 1962, and the tailor works just a stone's throw from the Vatican. He started his career at the age of 15 and has no plans to retire, despite being 86 years old. According to Mancinelli, a papal garment requires five to six days of work and about five meters of fabric. The new Pope will be dressed in the same light, fresh wool as Pope Francis, a fabric that weighs 220 grams per square meter.
Traditionally, 33 buttons are needed for the cassock, symbolizing the years of Christ, although Mancinelli has recently reduced the number for practicality. Additionally, the mitre worn by the Pope, crafted by Fabrizio Sorcinelli, features traditional gold decorations and represents the dignity and holiness of the papacy.
As the world anticipates Prevost's first address, the excitement and hope surrounding his election are palpable. His leadership style, characterized by listening and dialogue, may steer the Church through its current challenges, bridging cultural divides and fostering unity among its diverse membership. The Catholic Church stands at a crossroads, and with Prevost at the helm, many are eager to see how he will shape its future.
In a time of significant change and uncertainty within the Church, the election of Leo XIV marks a new chapter in its history. The global Catholic community watches closely, hopeful that Prevost's unique background and diplomatic skills will guide the Church toward a more inclusive and responsive future.
