History was made as Robert Francis Prevost was elected the new head of the Catholic Church, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
His election marks a major milestone as he becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy. Here are four key things to know about the new pontiff:
First American Pope
Pope Leo XIV’s election is groundbreaking as he is the first-ever American to lead the over 1.3 billion Catholics around the world. His rise reflects the growing influence of the Church in the Americas.
Deep Roots in Church Leadership
Before his election, Pope Leo XIV held various leadership roles in the Vatican, including serving as the Prefect for the Dicastery for Bishops. His experience in guiding church governance and global dioceses is expected to shape his papal mission.
Background in Missionary Work
Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spent years serving in Latin America, especially in Peru, where he worked closely with local communities. His time as a missionary priest has grounded his focus on humility, justice, and service.
