On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church embarked on a significant new era with the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is the inaugural American-born head of the Roman Catholic Church, contributing decades of missionary and administrative expertise, particularly from Latin America, to the Vatican.
His election is broadly regarded as a representation of the Church’s global nature in the 21st century, transcending cultural and regional boundaries to emphasize unity, service, and pastoral care.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Before his election, Pope Leo XIV held the position of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he was instrumental in the global appointment of bishops. He is affiliated with the Order of St. Augustine and dedicated over ten years to his role as a bishop in Peru. His profound pastoral connections in Latin America are regarded as significant in shaping his dedication to social outreach and fostering intercultural understanding.
