Who Is Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected pope on May 8, 2025. He is the first American-born pope and the first Augustinian friar to lead the Catholic Church. His election marked a historic shift in papal leadership.
Early Life and Career
Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955 and raised in the United States. He joined the Order of Saint Augustine and later became a bishop and cardinal. Before his election, he served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing bishop appointments worldwide.
Key Facts About His Papacy
Leo XIV chose his papal name to honor Leo XIII, known for social teaching and modernizing the Church. Early in his papacy, he emphasized pastoral care, synodality, and dialogue. He has also highlighted the Church’s role in addressing global inequality and migration. Learn more about his early initiatives on the official Vatican website.
