Historic First: American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV

By News Service
May 12, 2025

In a historic decision that has reverberated across the Catholic world, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. The 69-year-old Chicago native, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, emerged from the conclave after just two days of voting.

"I would like this greeting of peace to reach all your hearts and families," the new pope said in his first address from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, speaking in both Italian and Spanish. "Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail."

A Global Journey: From Chicago to the Vatican

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost of French and Italian descent and Mildred Martínez of Spanish descent, Leo XIV's roots run deep in America's heartland. His childhood friends recall a devout Catholic family where priests were frequent visitors, drawn in part by his mother's cooking.

After attending the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers, Prevost graduated from Villanova University with a degree in mathematics in 1977. He continued his education at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, where he earned a Master's of Divinity, and was ordained as a priest in 1982.

His ecclesiastical journey took a global turn when he joined the Augustinian mission in Peru in 1985. Over the next two decades, Prevost immersed himself in the country's culture and challenges, eventually becoming a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015. During his time there, he served in various capacities, including as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and eventually as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to two significant roles: Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most powerful positions in the Vatican, responsible for selecting bishops worldwide, and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was made a cardinal in September of that same year.

His deep connection to Peru and extensive missionary experience has earned him the nickname "The Latin Yankee" in Rome, positioning him as a unique bridge between North and South America.

Positions on Major Social Issues

LGBTQ+ Community

Pope Leo XIV's positions on LGBTQ+ issues suggest a more conservative approach compared to his predecessor. In 2012, he expressed concern about Western media fostering "sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel," specifically mentioning the "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children."

As Bishop of Chiclayo, he opposed including gender education in schools, stating that "the promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don't exist."

Regarding the controversial document "Fiducia supplicans," which addressed blessings for people in same-sex relationships, Prevost took a nuanced position. He suggested that national bishops' conferences should "interpret and apply such directives in their local contexts, given cultural differences," acknowledging the challenges of implementing such guidelines in regions where homosexuality is still criminalized.

Immigration and Refugees

Pope Leo XIV has consistently demonstrated support for migrants and refugees, particularly Venezuelan migrants in Peru. "He is a person who likes to help," said Jesus Leon Angeles, a coordinator of a Peruvian Catholic group who has known Prevost since 2018.

In February 2025, then-Cardinal Prevost publicly disagreed with Vice President JD Vance's stance on immigration, posting on social media that "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others." This suggests continuity with Pope Francis's advocacy for migrant rights and criticism of restrictive immigration policies.

Climate Change and Environmental Protection

The new pontiff has emphasized the need for action on climate change, urging society to move "from words to action" in addressing the climate crisis. He has spoken about humanity's relationship with nature, stating that our "dominion over nature" should not be "tyrannical," but rather a "relationship of reciprocity" with the environment.

Church Governance and Reform

Leo XIV is known to be a strong supporter of synodality, a key aspect of Pope Francis's ecclesiastical vision that emphasizes making Church structures more inclusive and participatory. He has described this approach as a way to address polarization within the Church and has connected it with the need for consultation and lay involvement.

In his first address to the Cardinals after his election, Leo declared his "complete commitment" to the ecclesiastical path traced by the Second Vatican Council. He specifically praised Pope Francis's articulation of this path through Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), highlighting six fundamental points: the primacy of Christ in proclamation; missionary conversion of the entire Christian community; collegiality and synodality; attention to the sensus fidei (the capacity of the faithful to sense the faith); care for the marginalized; and dialogue with the contemporary world.

Political Stances

During his time in Peru, Prevost criticized the actions of then-President Alberto Fujimori, highlighting the victims of political violence during the period of terrorism in Peru. In 2017, he criticized President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's decision to pardon Fujimori and called upon Fujimori to "personally apologize for some of the great injustices that were committed."

His years in Peru gave him firsthand knowledge of political violence and inequality. He also stood out as a defender of human rights against the violence of the Marxist–Leninist–Maoist guerrilla organization Shining Path.

The Significance of "Leo XIV"

The papal name choice reveals much about a pope's vision for their papacy. By selecting "Leo," Prevost aligns himself with a lineage of strong leaders who navigated the Church through challenging times. Leo XIII (1878-1903) is particularly significant, as he developed Catholic social teaching that emphasized the dignity and rights of workers and the poor.

Cardinal Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester called the name choice "very significant," describing Leo XIII as a "great 19th century pope."

Challenges Ahead

Leo XIV faces significant challenges as he leads the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. The Church continues to grapple with declining attendance in many regions, particularly in the West, and deep divisions on social issues.

Questions have been raised about his handling of sexual abuse cases both in Peru and during his time as provincial of the Midwest Augustinians in the United States. Supporters suggest these allegations are part of a smear campaign by opponents of Pope Francis's reforms.

A New Era

As the first American pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, Leo XIV represents both continuity and change for the Catholic Church. His global perspective, shaped by his years in Peru, positions him uniquely to address the challenges of a Church that increasingly finds its center of gravity shifting to the Global South.

In his episcopal motto, "In illo Uno unum" ("In the One, we are one"), Leo XIV echoes Saint Augustine's words that "although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one." This message of unity amid diversity may well define his approach to leadership as he guides the Catholic Church into a new era.

World leaders have welcomed his election, with former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama extending their congratulations. Even President Donald Trump, whose policies on immigration Leo has criticized, expressed enthusiasm about meeting the first American pope.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, Catholics and observers worldwide will be watching closely to see how he navigates the complex challenges facing both the Church and the global community in these turbulent times.

SIDEBAR: The Unexpected Rise: How Leo XIV Ascended Through Church Ranks to Win the Conclave

Few Vatican observers predicted that Cardinal Robert Prevost would emerge from the conclave as Pope Leo XIV. Considered a dark horse candidate, his election after just two days of voting surprised many who had expected a longer deliberation, possibly favoring more prominent candidates like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State under Pope Francis.

Prevost's rise through Church ranks followed an unusual trajectory that positioned him uniquely for the papacy. His leadership began not in traditional curial positions but in the Augustinian order, where he was twice elected prior general (2001-2013), demonstrating administrative skills and earning the respect of his peers.

The late Pope Francis played a crucial role in Prevost's ascension. After tracking his career for years, Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014, bringing him back to Peru where he had served as a missionary. This appointment allowed Prevost to gain valuable pastoral experience while maintaining distance from Vatican politics.

The pivotal moment came in January 2023, when Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential positions in the Church. This role gave Prevost unparalleled visibility among cardinals worldwide and intimate knowledge of the global episcopate. Eight months later, Francis elevated him to cardinal, placing him in position for the conclave.

Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, considered influential in progressive Church circles, developed a close friendship with Prevost after both were appointed to the Dicastery for Bishops in 2020. This connection likely helped secure support from the progressive wing of the College of Cardinals.

Despite his American nationality—long considered an obstacle for papal candidates due to U.S. geopolitical power—Prevost benefited from what Vatican insiders called being "the least American" of the U.S. cardinals, given his decades of service in Peru and dual citizenship.

The conclave's swift decision suggests cardinals sought middle ground amidst Church polarization. As a multilingual American with extensive Global South experience, Prevost represented a bridge figure: familiar with Western challenges yet deeply connected to the Church's growing regions in Latin America.

"He is a bridge between the North and South—an American but with a missionary background," observed Rev. Hernán Quezada, who oversees Jesuit training in Latin America.

While questions about his handling of abuse cases surfaced before the conclave, they ultimately didn't derail his candidacy, with supporters suggesting these allegations stemmed from opponents of Francis's reforms.

In the end, Prevost's unique combination of administrative experience, pastoral credentials, and global perspective enabled him to emerge as the compromise candidate at a critical moment in Church history.

Sources

Primary News Sources

1. ABC7 Chicago. (2025, May 10). New pope elected: Cardinal Robert Prevost always wanted to be a priest, Leo XIV's brother says in New Lenox. https://abc7chicago.com/post/new-pope-elected-cardinal-robert-prevost-wanted-priest-leo-xivs-brother-says-lenox/16360383/
2. ABC7 Chicago. (2025, May 9). Robert Prevost new pope: American Cardinal from Chicago elected first US pope, will take the name Pope Leo XIV. https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/2025-papal-conclave-cardinals-gather-elect-pope-vatican-city-rome/16339118/
3. ABC7 Los Angeles. (2025, May 9). Fun facts about Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. https://abc7.com/post/pope-leo-fun-facts-cardinal-robert-prevost/16358644/
4. Associated Press. (2025, May 8). What to know about Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. https://apnews.com/article/cardinal-robert-prevost-card
5. Axios. (2025, May 9). Why the conclave elected Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. https://www.axios.com/2025/05/09/why-robert-prevost-elected-pope-leo-conclave
6. CBS Chicago. (2025, May 8). Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost elected first American pope, becomes Pope Leo XIV. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cardinal-robert-prevost-chicago-first-american-pope/
7. CBS News. (2025, May 10). Who is Pope Leo XIV? American Cardinal Robert Prevost is the new pope. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-pope-robert-prevost-pope-leo-xiv/
8. France 24. (2025, May 8). Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prevost, from Peru missionary to first American pontiff. https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250508-pope-leo-xiv-profile-robert-prevost-from-peru-missionary-to-first-american-pontiff
9. Fortune. (2025, May 8). Pope Leo XIV: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected head of Catholic Church. https://fortune.com/article/robert-francis-prevost-first-american-pope-leo-xiv/
10. Irish Times. (2025, May 8). Who is Robert Prevost? The American cardinal who is the new Pope Leo XIV. https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/05/08/who-is-robert-prevost-the-american-cardinal-who-is-the-new-pope-leo-xiv/
11. National Geographic. (2025, May 10). Robert Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV. Here's the history behind the papal name Leo. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/pope-name-pontiff-leo-meaning
12. NBC News. (2025, May 10). U.S.-born pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, leads first Mass. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/pope-leo-leads-first-holy-mass-pontiff-rcna205777
13. NBC News. (2025, May 10). U.S.-born pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, leads first Mass [Live blog]. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/the-vatican/live-blog/pope-leo-robert-prevost-2025-live-updates-conclave-rcna205761
14. Newsweek. (2025, May 8). Who Is Robert Prevost? New Pope Leo XIV Announced. https://www.newsweek.com/robert-prevost-new-pope-hungary-vatican-conclave-church-2069350
15. Newsweek. (2025, May 9). What New Pope Leo XIV Has Said About LGBTQ+ Issues. https://www.newsweek.com/what-pope-leo-said-lgbtq-issues-2069889
16. NPR. (2025, May 9). Pope Leo's stance on key issues, from climate change to LGBTQ+ rights to U.S. politics. https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/nx-s1-5393705/pope-leo-stance-issues-lgtbq-climate-women-politics
17. The 19th. (2025, May 9). Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prevost's political views on LGBTQ+, abortion, immigration. https://19thnews.org/2025/05/pope-leo-american-chosen-robert-francis-prevost/
18. The Advocate. (2025, May 8). U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV. Here's what he's said about LGBTQ+ people. https://www.advocate.com/news/new-pope-elected-robert-prevost
19. The New Republic. (2025, May 8). Here's What the New Pope Really Thinks (Beside Hating Trump). https://newrepublic.com/post/195017/new-pope-robert-prevost-lgbtq-immigration
20. The Pink News. (2025, May 9). New pope Robert Prevost has expressed anti-LGBT views. https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/05/08/pope-robert-prevost-lgbt/
21. Time. (2025, May 8). Where Pope Leo Stands on Major Issues. https://time.com/7283887/pope-leo-lgbtq-women-migrants-rights/
22. Vatican News. (2025, May 11). Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/biography-of-robert-francis-prevost-pope-leo-xiv.html
23. Washington Post. (2025, May 8). Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes first American-born pope. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/08/pope-prevost-american-vatican/
24. Washington Post. (2025, May 9). What are Pope Leo XIV's views on political, social issues? https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-views-political-robert-prevost/

Catholic Publications and Resources

25. Aleteia. (2023, September 21). Cardinal Robert Prevost, an unusual profile in the Curia. https://aleteia.org/2023/09/21/future-cardinal-robert-francis-prevost-a-missionary-at-the-service-of-the-curia
26. CatholicVote.org. (2025, May 8). The Room of Tears: Where Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV. https://catholicvote.org/the-room-of-tears-where-cardinal-robert-prevost-became-pope-leo-xiv/
27. The College of Cardinals Report. (2024, July 8). Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/robert-francis-prevost/
28. The Pillar. (2025, May 5). Meet the conclave: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/meet-the-conclave-cardinal-robert

Reference

29. Wikipedia. (2025, May 10). Pope Leo XIV. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Francis_Prevost# Historic First: American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV