Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a long-time missionary in Latin America, has been elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church
The 69-year-old from Chicago is the first American to fill the role of pope and has taken the name Leo XIV
The new pontiff's choice of regnal name aligns him with a lineage of popes known for strong leadership and doctrinal clarity
Pope Francis, the first American pope, is deeply shaped by his years as a missionary in Latin America.
Prevost earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Villanova University and a diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago.
He was also sent to Rome to study canon law, and later, in his career, he taught canon law in the seminary in Trujillo, Peru
Prevost served as a local parish pastor and teacher in Trujillo for 10 years before being appointed bishop of Chiclayo. He held this position from 2014 to 2023.
Pope Leo is a member of the Augustinian order, which is spread across the world. He led the order for more than a decade as its prior general
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Robert Prevost to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, focusing on evaluating and recommending episcopal candidates.
Prevost became archbishop in January 2023, and within a few months, Pope Francis made him a cardinal