Who Is Pope Leo XIV? Discover the Man Behind the White Cassock

In a historic moment that captivated the world, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, signaling the election of Pope Leo XIV - the first American pope in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history. As millions of faithful Catholics around the globe celebrate this momentous occasion, many are curious to know more about the man who now leads the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Who is Robert Francis Prevost, the cardinal from Chicago who has become Pope Leo XIV? Let's discover the journey, vision, and faith of the man behind the white cassock.

Introduction: A Historic Election

The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marks a watershed moment in Catholic history. On the second day of the conclave, 133 cardinals sequestered in the Sistine Chapel elected the 69-year-old Chicago native to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away last month at the age of 88. As white smoke poured from the chapel chimney, the announcement "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!") echoed through St. Peter's Square, followed by the revelation that Cardinal Prevost had taken the name Leo XIV.

This historic election breaks the long-standing tradition of European popes and brings a fresh perspective to the Vatican. As the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV represents not only his American roots but also his deep connection to Latin America, particularly Peru, where he spent much of his missionary life and even obtained citizenship in 2015.

Early Life and Roots: From Chicago to Peru

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost comes from a rich multicultural heritage. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French and Italian descent, while his mother, Mildred Martinez, had Spanish ancestry. His father worked as a school principal, and his mother, who held degrees in library science and education, was deeply involved in their local parish, St. Mary of the Assumption. This family environment of education and faith laid the foundation for Prevost's future calling. 

After completing his early education, Prevost pursued higher studies at Villanova University, the Catholic Theological Union, and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. He joined the Augustinian order, following in the footsteps of St. Augustine of Hippo, whose teachings emphasize love, harmony, humility, and dedication to the spiritual community of the church.

Prevost's spiritual journey took a significant turn in 1985 when he first traveled to Peru as a missionary. What was initially intended as temporary service became a defining chapter in his life. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and professor at a seminary in Trujillo, northwestern Peru. His commitment to the people of Peru was so profound that he obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015, making him a dual citizen of both the United States and Peru.

Rise Within the Church: A Diplomatic Bridge-Builder

Prevost's rise within the Catholic Church hierarchy has been marked by his reputation as a diplomatic bridge-builder with a deep commitment to social justice. After his time in Peru, he returned to the United States in 1999 to take up a leadership role in his religious order, the Augustinians. He was elected as the head of the Augustinian order and served in this capacity until Pope Francis called him back to Peru.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru, showing the trust the pontiff placed in him. His ministry in Peru earned him the nickname "saint of the north" for his closeness to the poor and marginalized communities. 

Prevost's career took another significant turn in 2023 when Pope Francis appointed him to dual roles of immense influence: prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (the Vatican office that vets bishop nominations worldwide) and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. These appointments placed him at the heart of Vatican governance and demonstrated Francis's confidence in his leadership abilities.

His work in these roles has been characterized by a commitment to Francis's vision of a more inclusive church, focused on mercy and outreach to those on the margins of society. The experience he gained both in pastoral ministry and in Vatican administration prepared him well for the ultimate role he now assumes as Pope Leo XIV.

The Election & Name Choice: Leo XIV

The conclave that elected Prevost was relatively brief by historical standards. After just two days of voting, white smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority to elect a new pope. The choice of Prevost surprised many Vatican observers, who had not considered him among the top contenders.

His selection of the papal name "Leo" carries significant symbolic weight. The name Leo has a rich history in the papacy, with Leo XIII (1878-1903) being particularly known for his progressive social teaching encapsulated in "Rerum Novarum," which addressed the conditions of the working classes and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.

"By picking the name Leo XIV, he shows he is committed to the social teaching of the church, which was made foundational by his predecessor Leo XIII," explained Rev. Thomas Reese, a U.S. priest and Vatican expert. The name choice signals a commitment to social justice that aligns with Pope Francis's global ministry and suggests Prevost's intention to continue addressing the pressing social issues of our time.

Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan University, noted that the name Leo "is a deep sign of commitment to social issues," further cementing the expectation that Pope Leo XIV will continue much of Pope Francis's ministry focus on the marginalized and disenfranchised.

What to Expect from His Papacy: Building Bridges

In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV provided insights into the direction his papacy might take. Speaking in Italian, he declared: "We have to look together how to be a missionary church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love." 

This vision of a "missionary church" that "builds bridges" suggests that Pope Leo XIV will prioritize outreach, dialogue, and inclusivity. During his first appearance, he also emphasized peace, saying he wanted his message of peace to "enter your hearts, reach your families and all people, wherever they are." 

In terms of his theological stance, Pope Leo XIV is generally considered a centrist who balances progressive and traditional elements of Catholic teaching. On many social issues, he's viewed as progressive, embracing marginalized groups in the manner of Pope Francis, particularly championing migrants and the poor. However, he maintains traditional positions on certain doctrinal matters, such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons.

His experience as a missionary and administrator in both the Americas and the Vatican gives him a unique global perspective that will likely inform his approach to church governance. As one analyst noted, "Pope Leo XIV's global experience will surely have an impact on his papacy. He has seen, firsthand, the challenges facing the church in different cultural contexts." 

Global Reactions & Reflections: Hope and Excitement

The announcement of Pope Leo XIV has sparked reactions of hope, excitement, and curiosity worldwide. In the United States, Catholics celebrated the historic selection of the first American pope. One American Catholic in Milwaukee expressed joy at the election, noting that Pope Leo XIV's "vision to leave home and go to unfamiliar territory to serve the church and the poor" demonstrated his missionary heart. 

In Peru, the reaction has been especially jubilant, with many Peruvians claiming Pope Leo XIV as one of their own. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte described the new pope as Peruvian "by choice and conviction," declaring that "the pope is Peruvian; God loves Peru." This sentiment reflects the deep connection Prevost established with the Peruvian people during his years of ministry there.

Political leaders worldwide have also extended their congratulations. The Vatican has received messages from heads of state across the globe expressing eagerness to work with the new pontiff on issues of common concern, such as peace, climate change, and social justice. 

Within the Church itself, many Catholics are expressing optimism about Pope Leo XIV's leadership. His background as both an American and a missionary in Latin America is seen as potentially bringing fresh perspectives to the Vatican while maintaining continuity with Pope Francis's emphasis on mercy and outreach. Catholics are particularly hopeful that his experience in Peru with marginalized communities will continue to inform his ministry as pope.

Conclusion & Spiritual Reflection: A Shepherd for Our Time

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, he steps into a role that carries both tremendous responsibility and profound spiritual significance. The Catholic Church faces numerous challenges in today's world, from declining attendance in traditional strongholds to growth in the Global South, from questions about the role of women to the ongoing need for reform and renewal.

In this context, Pope Leo XIV's background as both an American and a longtime missionary in Peru positions him uniquely to understand the diverse needs and perspectives of Catholics worldwide. His election reminds us that the Church is truly universal, transcending national boundaries while remaining rooted in local communities.

Scripture tells us, "The Lord said to him, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing'" (Genesis 12:1-2). Like Abraham, Robert Francis Prevost left his homeland to serve God in a foreign land, and now he has been called to shepherd the universal Church.

As Saint Teresa of Avila once wrote, "Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world." In Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church has a shepherd who has demonstrated compassion through his missionary work and his commitment to the poor and marginalized.

As we welcome Pope Leo XIV to his new role, let us pray for his guidance, wisdom, and strength. May his papacy be blessed with the grace to build bridges, foster unity, and lead the Church with compassion and courage in addressing the challenges of our time.

Looking for ways to celebrate this historic moment in the Church? Visit Catholically.com for beautiful prayer cards, rosaries to pray for his intentions, and special commemorative items marking this historic papal election. Join our community in welcoming the 267th successor of St. Peter with prayer and celebration!