From Chicago to the Vatican: Meet Pope Leo XIV, the First U.S. Pontiff
A Chicago-born missionary and reformer, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new era of leadership for the global Catholic Church
- Born in Chicago, he served extensively in Peru and led major Vatican offices
- Robert Francis Prevost becomes the first American elected pope
- His election marks a historic shift toward a more global and inclusive Church leadership
On May 8, 2025, history was made as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
This marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy, a milestone celebrated by Catholics worldwide.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family.
His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French and Italian descent, and his mother, Mildred Martínez, was of Spanish heritage.
From an early age, Prevost was drawn to the Church, serving as an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Chicago’s South Side. He pursued his calling by joining the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982 .
Prevost’s missionary work took him to Peru, where he served from 1985 to 1998 as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official.
His deep commitment to the Peruvian people led him to become a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015. He was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015 and later served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America starting in 2023 .
Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, Pope Leo XIV brings a global perspective to the papacy.
His election is seen as a unifying choice for a Church facing numerous challenges, including internal divisions and global conflicts.
In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, he emphasized peace and dialogue, stating, “Peace be with all of you. I want this salute of peace to enter your heart, reach your families, and all people, and all the peoples, and the whole world”
The election of Pope Leo XIV has been met with widespread acclaim. U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated him on social media, calling it a “great honor for our country” . Celebrations erupted globally, particularly in Peru, where he had a significant missionary impact .
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces immediate challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, Church unity, and ongoing debates over social issues.
His leadership will be pivotal in guiding the Roman Catholic Church through these complex times .
The election of Pope Leo XIV signifies a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, reflecting its evolving global nature and the increasing influence of the Americas within its leadership.
