Leo XIV Elected New Pope — 10 Things To Know About The First US-Born Pontiff Ever

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV — the first American pontiff, a former missionary in Peru, and the first Augustinian to lead the Catholic Church.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday.

Source : X/@VaticanNews

“Peace be with all of you!” — with these words, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost introduced himself to the world as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the first American-born Pope in history. The announcement came from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti delivered the traditional Latin proclamation, "Habemus Papam", which means "We have a pope".

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, he inherits both the reforms and the challenges of his predecessors — navigating a Church wrestling with secularism, internal renewal, and global tensions. 

White smoke billows from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel to announce that the 133 Cardinal electors have elected the new Pope, who will appear soon at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica. pic.twitter.com/upT646xwH2

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025

10 Key Things To Know About Pope Leo XIV

1. First American-Born Pope: Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, is the first Pope from the United States and only the second from the Americas, following his predecessor Pope Francis of Argentina.

2. A Missionary Heart From Peru: Though American by birth, Leo XIV spent much of his pastoral and priestly life in Peru, serving among the poor and marginalised. He was Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023 and also briefly oversaw the Diocese of Callao.

3. First Augustinian To Become Pope: He is the first pontiff from the Augustinian Order, one of the major mendicant religious orders. Before his election, he led the order globally as Prior General for two terms.

4. Deep Roots in Education and Canon Law: Leo XIV holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Angelicum in Rome and has taught Patristics, Moral Theology, and Canon Law. He is a product of Villanova University and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
5. Longstanding Role in Church Governance: His leadership was widely recognised by Pope Francis, who appointed him to key bodies like the Dicastery for Bishops, Doctrine of the Faith, and Evangelisation, before naming him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023.

6. Created Cardinal by Pope Francis: In September 2024, Prevost was created a Cardinal-Deacon of Saint Monica, the titular church assigned to him. He formally took possession in January 2024.

7. A Voice in Synodality and Church Reform: He actively participated in both sessions of the Synod on Synodality in 2023 and 2024, signalling his alignment with the Church’s push for broader consultation, inclusion, and decentralisation.

8. Led Rosary Amid Pope’s Illness: During Pope Francis’s recent illness, Cardinal Prevost visibly stepped into a spiritual leadership role, presiding over a public Rosary in Saint Peter’s Square, further raising his global profile.

9. A Bridge Between Continents: His life reflects a unique blend of North American upbringing and Latin American pastoral experience, making him a symbolic bridge between the two Catholic strongholds.

10. He Chose the Name Leo XIV: By selecting the name Leo XIV, Prevost places himself in the legacy of papal reformers like Leo XIII, known for his intellectual depth and social teachings, and Leo I, a pope of diplomacy and doctrinal clarity.