Robert Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV

A historic election: America’s first Pontiff

In an unprecedented moment in Church history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel on the second day of the papal conclave marked the cardinal’s successful election—signaling to the world that the Catholic Church had chosen a new spiritual leader.

Prevost, 69, becomes the first American ever elected to the papacy, a choice that reflects the Church’s increasingly globalized leadership. He received the required two-thirds majority vote from the 133 cardinals who were sequestered in the Vatican for the conclave.

From Chicago to the Chair of Saint Peter

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost’s journey to the papacy is marked by deep faith, academic rigor, and decades of pastoral and missionary work. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University, he entered the Order of Saint Augustine and was ordained a priest in 1982.

His academic pursuits led him to Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law. Yet it was his boots-on-the-ground service in Peru—where he served for decades as a missionary, educator, and eventually bishop—that shaped his pastoral approach and global outlook.

Missionary roots and global leadership

Prevost’s deep ties to Latin America helped him transcend national labels. From 1985, he worked in Peru, first in the remote prelature of Chulucanas, then as head of the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo. His long service in Peru led to his naturalization as a Peruvian citizen in 2015.

As bishop of Chiclayo and briefly of Callao, he provided calm leadership during periods of political turbulence in Peru. His regional experience, cultural fluency, and steady presence made him a trusted figure in Latin America and beyond.

Trusted advisor in the Vatican

In January 2023, Prevost was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful role overseeing bishop appointments worldwide. Pope Francis’ decision to elevate him to cardinal just months later signaled high confidence in his leadership.

A reserved but deeply attentive leader, Prevost gained a reputation in Rome for his careful listening, wise discernment, and alignment with Francis’ reform agenda—particularly on issues like environmental stewardship, outreach to the poor, and inclusive pastoral care.

Controversies and criticism

Prevost’s rise has not been without controversy. Allegations related to his handling of sexual abuse cases—first during his time in the U.S. and later in Peru—have cast shadows over his otherwise steady record. Critics accuse him of not doing enough to investigate claims involving clergy in Chiclayo.

Most recently, reports emerged in May 2025 that the Diocese of Chiclayo paid $150,000 to three young accusers, allegedly as hush money. While Prevost’s defenders point to his documented cooperation with Church and civil authorities, the issue remains a source of concern among some Catholics.

A compromise candidate for a divided church

Prevost’s election came after speculation that no front-runner could consolidate enough support in the conclave. His appeal as a global, missionary bishop—not just an American cardinal—helped bridge divides. Despite being a relatively new cardinal, his name emerged as a compromise acceptable to both reform-minded and conservative factions within the Church.

What to expect from Pope Leo XIV

As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost is expected to continue the legacy of Pope Francis, focusing on a Church that is “outward-looking, poor, and for the poor.” His long experience with marginalized communities and his administrative competence suggest a papacy grounded in service, reform, and global awareness.

While the road ahead includes navigating ongoing crises—including questions of transparency and accountability—Leo XIV’s unique background may position him to lead the Church into a new chapter of humility, inclusivity, and spiritual renewal.