Pope Leo XIV: A new era begins with the first American Pontiff

The College of Cardinals has elected a new Pope, marking a historic moment in the Catholic Church's history.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, making him the first American to hold the office after about 24-hours of Conclave in the Vatican City.

For many, Pope Leo XIV brings a fresh perspective to the papacy.

On Thursday evening, the traditional white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the historic election of the first American Pope in the Church's two millennia of history.

Early Life and Background

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Robert Prevost is the son of Mildred Martínez, a Spanish immigrant, and Louis Marius Prevost, a French-Italian catechist.

He grew up in a devout household that frequently welcomed clergy.

His early religious formation as a parish school student and altar boy led him to consider a priestly vocation.

After careful reflection between the diocesan priesthood and religious life, he joined the Augustinian Order, inspired by its emphasis on community and the teachings of St Augustine of Hippo.

Prevost pursued theological studies at Rome’s Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), specialising in canon law.

He was ordained as a priest in 1982 by Archbishop Jean Jadot while serving at the Vatican’s Secretariat for Non-Christians.

Throughout his career, he held various roles within the Catholic Church, including bishop and cardinal, before being elected as the new Pope.

Rise to the Papacy

Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025, at the age of 88, after leading the global Catholic community for over a decade.

The new Pontiff brings a unique background, having previously served as the head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops and as a longtime missionary in Peru, where he held one of the Holy See’s most influential positions, responsible for bishop appointments worldwide.

Missionary activities and Episcopal engagement

After his ordination, Prevost began decades of service in Peru, working in diverse regions from jungles to highlands in the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas.

In 2015, his deep connection to the country led him to obtain Peruvian citizenship.

During his ten years in Peru, he served in various leadership roles, including professor, Director of Formation, Community Prior, and Judicial Vicar.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo, and he was elevated to Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.

Key Highlights

- First American to hold the office of Pope

- Known for progressive views on social issues

- Strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and ecumenism

- Focused on addressing global poverty, inequality, and climate change

While overseeing both impoverished rural communities and urban centers, Prevost's tenure was characterised by both controversy and pastoral achievements, including allegations in 2022 regarding abuse case management, which the diocese strongly denied.

Prevost's administrative skills led to his appointment in 2020 to the Dicastery for Bishops, where he played a crucial role in shaping the global episcopate.

His humble response to a potential promotion exemplifies his character.

"Whether you decide to appoint me or to leave me where I am, I will be happy; if you ask me to take on a new role in the church, I will accept," he remarked.

A Pontificate marked by Continuity and Transformation

As Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old Pontiff is believed to be someone who will offer:

- A bridge between cultures, embodying both Peruvian and American identities;

- Multilingual fluency in Italian, English, and Spanish for global engagements;

- Extensive pastoral experience from missionary work to diocesan leadership; and

- Canonical expertise to tackle church governance challenges.

The Catholic Church now turns to this historic papacy to navigate complex modern challenges, while upholding the pastoral vision of his predecessor.

With his unique background, Pope Leo XIV is well-positioned to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics with both spiritual depth and a global perspective.

His papacy is expected to bring about significant changes and reforms within the Church.

NAD/AE