Vatican City, 08 May 2025
Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, has been elected pope and will serve as the 268th leader of the Roman Catholic Church under the name Pope Leo XIV. He is the first pontiff born in the United States, holds dual nationalities US and Peru, now leads 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Leo XIV delivered his first address as pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for peace and honoring the late Pope Francis. His election is widely seen as a continuation of Francis’ reform-minded legacy. Previously, Prevost served as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, a key position overseeing global bishop appointments. He was appointed to the role by Pope Francis, who held him in high regard.
Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian order and led the group globally as prior general for over a decade. His leadership experience also includes years as a missionary in South America. He spent a decade in Trujillo, Peru, and later served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. He obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015 and is viewed affectionately in the country. Peru’s President Dina Boluarte called his election a “historic moment for Peru and the world.” The national soccer team posted a tribute on social media, calling him “Peruvian at heart.”
Educated in the U.S., Leo XIV earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University and a diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Illinois voting records show he was an active voter in New Lenox, having cast ballots in multiple elections and participating in several Republican primaries.
Global leaders welcomed the new pope. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed eagerness to continue collaboration between the UN and the Holy See, emphasizing the pope’s potential influence on peace and justice. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa voiced confidence in Leo’s ability to promote shared global values. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram wishing Leo health and success.
Qatar News Agency reported that Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of his election as Pope of the Vatican.
U.S. leaders also responded, including Senator Ed Markey, who praised Leo’s American roots and called for continuity in Pope Francis’ legacy. Former U.S. presidents issued statements of congratulations, underscoring the significance of his election for the United States.
Leo XIV’s choice of name evokes deep historical resonance. The last pope to bear the name, Leo XIII, led from 1878 to 1903 and was known for his contributions to Catholic social teaching during the Industrial Revolution. The original Pope Leo, known as “Leo the Great,” is remembered for persuading Attila the Hun to spare Rome. The name Leo, meaning “lion” in Latin, symbolizes courage and strength—values the new pope may seek to embody.
Leo is now tied as the fourth most popular papal name in history. His selection and chosen name signal both continuity and renewed purpose for the Catholic Church amid global challenges.
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