Who is Robert Prevost? Meet Pope Leo XIV, The First American Pope

Who Is Pope Leo XIV?

Even before his name was officially spoken from the grand balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the crowd had already started chanting, “Viva il Papa!” That chant welcomed the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV is the first American to ever sit on the throne of St. Peter. But those who know him well say his soul belongs just as much to Latin America as it does to the U.S. He spent over a decade working in Peru, connecting deeply with local communities, teaching seminarians, and offering support to the poor and forgotten.

How Did His Journey to the Papacy Begin?

Robert Prevost was raised in a devout Catholic family with roots in Spain and Italy. His faith journey began early. He served as an altar boy and was ordained in 1982. Just three years later, he left the comforts of home and moved to Peru as a missionary. There, he wore many hats: a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and community builder.

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Despite his missionary work in South America, he continued to visit and serve in his hometown of Chicago. These connections across continents shaped the man who would later become a pope.

His dedication to service and pastoral care led to bigger responsibilities. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. A few years later, in 2023, he became an archbishop and was made a cardinal. From that point on, his name was often whispered among those predicting the next pope.

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What Did Pope Leo XIV Say in His First Speech?

In his first appearance as pope, Leo XIV paid heartfelt tribute to his predecessor, Francis. He called him courageous and blessed the path Francis had laid out.

“United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,” he told the cheering crowd. Those few words captured the tone of his leadership — humble, cooperative, and God-focused.

He also acknowledged his roots in the Augustinian Order, a group known for education, simplicity, and service to the poor.

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Why Did He Choose the Name Leo?

Choosing the name Leo wasn’t random. It carries strong historical and symbolic weight. Pope Leo I famously convinced Attila the Hun to turn away from attacking Rome. And Pope Leo XIII is remembered for his work on social justice and workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution.

Experts believe Leo XIV wants to follow that same legacy: standing up for the vulnerable, working people, and promoting justice during times of global change.

What Are Pope Leo XIV’s Views on Key Issues?

Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as someone who shares Pope Francis’ priorities — caring for migrants, protecting the environment, and helping the poor.

He once said, “I was born in the United States… But my grandparents were all immigrants, French, Spanish… I was raised in a very Catholic family.” That immigrant background shaped his outlook on compassion and belonging.

Here’s where he stands on a few big issues:

LGBT Community

Leo XIV has supported Francis’ decision allowing blessings for same-sex couples. He believes local bishops should apply the guidance based on their culture and community. While not all cardinals agree with this approach, Leo XIV has stayed committed to unity and compassion.

Women in Church Leadership

In a major shift, he backed Francis’ historic move to let women join the Dicastery for Bishops. He said their input has been a “significant contribution” in choosing the right leaders for the Church.

Climate Change

He’s vocal about the need to care for the environment. In 2023, he said it’s time to move “from words to action” and called for a reciprocal relationship with nature. Solar panels, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient systems have already been introduced in the Vatican under his influence.

What Kind of Leader Will He Be?

Pope Leo XIV is being closely watched to see how he’ll lead the Church. Will he continue the reforms started by Pope Francis? Or chart a new course?

So far, his message seems clear: unity, simplicity, and service. He wants the Church to walk “hand in hand with God,” and he sees dialogue and listening as key tools in that journey.

Could He Bring Real Change to the Church?

That’s the big question. His past shows he isn’t afraid to work with underserved groups, live simply, and challenge the status quo. His work in Peru put him face to face with real people facing real struggles — and that experience might just be what sets him apart.

The fact that he’s American by birth but Latin American by ministry makes him a unique bridge in today’s global Church. He understands both privilege and poverty, tradition and reform.