May 8, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal date in the history of the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost emerged from St. Peter’s Basilica, newly elected as the 267th pope. At the age of 69, Prevost, who is the first pope from the United States, has chosen the name Leo XIV as he steps into this influential role impacting the lives of over 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide.
The selection of Prevost follows the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 last month. The 133 voting cardinals nominated Prevost, acknowledging his extensive experience and previous roles, which included managing the global selection and oversight of bishops at the Vatican.
Born in Chicago, Prevost has dedicated two decades of service in Peru, immersing himself into the local culture and earning naturalization. His journey in the Church began in 1982 when he was ordained, followed by achieving a doctorate in canon law at Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. He has passionately advocated for the marginalized, taking a similar path to that of Pope Francis, his predecessor, focusing on the pressing needs of the poor and migrants in society.
Prior to his papacy, Prevost was the leader of the Order of St. Augustine, having traveled extensively to support religious orders across the globe. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian, which reflects his international experience and ability to connect with diverse communities.
As Pope Leo XIV, he faces numerous challenges that diagnose the modern Catholic Church, particularly the growing calls for social justice, the crisis of faith in some regions, and a need for greater transparency and renewal in ecclesiastical governance. The faithful are now watching closely as he outlines his vision for the future, striving to address contemporary issues while keeping the teachings of the Church at the forefront of his papacy.
The selection of Prevost follows the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 last month. The 133 voting cardinals nominated Prevost, acknowledging his extensive experience and previous roles, which included managing the global selection and oversight of bishops at the Vatican.
Born in Chicago, Prevost has dedicated two decades of service in Peru, immersing himself into the local culture and earning naturalization. His journey in the Church began in 1982 when he was ordained, followed by achieving a doctorate in canon law at Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. He has passionately advocated for the marginalized, taking a similar path to that of Pope Francis, his predecessor, focusing on the pressing needs of the poor and migrants in society.
Prior to his papacy, Prevost was the leader of the Order of St. Augustine, having traveled extensively to support religious orders across the globe. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian, which reflects his international experience and ability to connect with diverse communities.
As Pope Leo XIV, he faces numerous challenges that diagnose the modern Catholic Church, particularly the growing calls for social justice, the crisis of faith in some regions, and a need for greater transparency and renewal in ecclesiastical governance. The faithful are now watching closely as he outlines his vision for the future, striving to address contemporary issues while keeping the teachings of the Church at the forefront of his papacy.
