In a historic conclave, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV. He becomes the 267th pontiff, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

The conclave, held at the Vatican and attended by 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80, selected Prevost after several rounds of voting. His election marks a significant moment for the global Church, as he becomes one of the few American-born leaders to hold the papacy.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV—formerly Robert Prevost—grew up attending St. Mary of the Assumption parish near Dolton, Illinois. His deep Midwestern roots, combined with decades of missionary and leadership work abroad, have positioned him as a unifying figure within the Catholic Church.

Ordained in 1982, Leo XIV earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He later served in Peru for over two decades, becoming Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015 and a naturalized Peruvian citizen.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to lead the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, making him responsible for episcopal appointments worldwide—a clear indication of trust in his reform-minded leadership.

Though his tenure in Peru was not without controversy—allegations of mishandled abuse cases were raised but denied by his diocese—Prevost maintained a strong reputation for fostering unity and transparency in church governance.

At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings a mix of youth, global experience, and administrative expertise. He is expected to continue many of Pope Francis’ reforms while potentially shaping a new era of leadership for the Catholic Church.