In a historic decision that has captured global attention, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. The Chicago-born priest, who spent decades in missionary work in South America, has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, a tribute many believe to be inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who helped shape modern Catholic social teaching. This is the first time a North American has ascended to the papacy, marking a significant moment in the Church’s history.
Pope Leo made his first appearance as pope on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on 8 May, wearing the traditional white papal cassock, a red mozzetta (cape), and a red stole to give his first public blessing, urbi et orbi (to the city and the world). He appeared visibly moved as he was met with chants of Viva il papa! while thousands of pilgrims filled the square.
His first words to the crowd were gentle and familiar: “Peace be with you. My dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for God’s flock.”
As Pope Leo begins his papacy, he follows closely in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, continuing a vision of a Church rooted in humility, mercy, and outreach to the margins. Pope Leo brings a missionary heart, a deep concern for the poor, and a desire for dialogue across cultures and communities. His leadership signals a Church that continues to walk with people, seeking peace, justice, and compassion for all.
In his first address, he reminded the Church of God’s unconditional love and emphasised the need for a welcoming spirit that embraces everyone. “Together we must try to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and always dialogues, that is always open to receiving everyone like this square with its arms open to everyone, everyone in need.”
He continued with a clear vision of what the Church must strive to become:
“We want to be a synodal Church, a Church that journeys, a Church that seeks peace always, that always seeks charity, that wants to be close to people, especially those who are suffering.”
Quoting St Augustine, whose teachings shaped the Order of St Augustine, the religious community Pope Leo XIV belongs to, he humbly declared: “With you I am a Christian and for you a bishop.”
He then expressed gratitude to the cardinals who elected him, urging the Church to move forward in unity: “United, hand in hand with God and with each other.”
He ended his first address as Pope by leading the crowd in the Hail Mary and offering his first apostolic blessing
From Chicago to the World
Born on 14 September 1955, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He studied mathematics at Villanova University, an Augustinian-run institution, and joined the Order of St Augustine in 1977. He made his solemn vows in 1981, earned a theology degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and later completed a Doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
In 1985, he moved to Peru to serve as an Augustinian missionary. For 14 years, he worked closely with local communities in poor and rural areas, often in difficult conditions. He later returned to the US to lead his order’s Chicago-based province, and from 2001 to 2013 served as Prior General of the global Augustinian Order.
A Bishop with a Mission
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo, a large diocese in northern Peru. There, he was known for his deep dedication to the poor and for uniting local communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was asked to serve as Apostolic Administrator of Callao, one of Peru’s busiest regions.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most important roles in shaping Church leadership. In this position, he worked closely with bishops from around the world, oversaw the appointment of many Latin-rite bishops, and also led the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, helping to guide the Church in a region where nearly 40% of the world’s Catholics live.
Pope Leo XIV is often described as humble, quiet, and deeply pastoral. He has earned the respect of many within the Church for his ability to listen, his simplicity, and his commitment to unity.
In 2023, he said: “One must not give in to the temptation to live isolated, separated in a palace. The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.”
Italian newspaper La Repubblica called him “cosmopolitan and shy,” but noted that he is “appreciated by conservatives and progressives” alike. His experience as a missionary and his work in Rome made him well known and widely respected among cardinals.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s election have been overwhelmingly positive. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the US Church’s international aid organisation, praised his deep understanding of global issues.
CRS President Sean Callahan said “He has seen, firsthand, the struggles that our sisters and brothers around the world are experiencing. He will be a voice for the voiceless and a fierce supporter of human dignity for all people. His election comes at a critical time for the global Church, as communities around the world navigate challenges such as increasing hunger, environmental degradation and the migration crisis.”
Beginning His Papal Ministry
In the coming days, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate an Inauguration Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, where he will receive the pallium and fisherman’s ring, the official symbols of his office as Bishop of Rome and Successor of St Peter.
He speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and can read Latin and German, giving him the ability to connect with a global Church.
As he begins his papacy, Pope Leo XIV brings with him a legacy of missionary compassion, global leadership, and a clear vision for a Church that journeys with all people.