10 things to know about Robert Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, marking a historic moment as the first American to hold the papacy. His life and career reflect a blend of deep pastoral commitment, global experience, and a dedication to social justice. Here are 10 key aspects of his life and leadership:Catholic Standard+16Vatican News+16Vox+16AP News+3DNyuz+3Vox+3

1. First American Pope: Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost is the first pope from the United States and only the second from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina. AP News+14ABP Live+14Miami Archdiocese+14

2. Multicultural Heritage: Prevost’s father, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French and Italian descent, while his mother, Mildred Martínez, had Spanish roots. This diverse heritage has contributed to his inclusive worldview. Opus Dei+8Preview.ph+8Holy See UN Mission+8

3. Augustinian Roots: He joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. He later served as the Prior General of the Augustinian order from 2001 to 2013, becoming the first Augustinian pope in history. Simple Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Holy See UN Mission+2Dio+3Catholic Telegraph+3Miami Archdiocese+3

4. Missionary Work in Peru: Prevost spent significant time in Peru, serving as a missionary and later as the Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. His work focused on serving impoverished communities, emphasizing social justice and pastoral care. Opus Dei+3ABP Live+3Dio+3Vox+1Time+1

5. Leadership in the Vatican: Before his election as pope, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide, reflecting his administrative acumen and global perspective. AP News+2Vatican News+2Catholic Telegraph+2

6. Advocate for Immigrants: In his first address to diplomats, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of respecting migrants’ dignity, potentially setting up clashes with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has enacted strict immigration policies. The Guardian+1Vox+1

7. Bridge-Builder in a Divided Church: While he appreciates traditional elements, Pope Leo XIV is not a traditionalist and is expected to continue the progressive vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis. His background suggests a resolute yet diplomatic approach to addressing divides within the U.S. Catholic Church. Vox+2The Guardian+2DNyuz+2

8. Physically Active and Approachable: Known for his humility and physical fitness, Prevost maintained a regular workout regimen at a gym in Rome. He is also a fan of tennis and has expressed interest in a charity match with top-ranked player Jannik Sinner. AP News

9. Multilingual Communicator: Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and French, Pope Leo XIV’s linguistic skills enable him to connect with diverse populations, reflecting his commitment to global inclusivity. FactMandu+1AP News+1

10. Continuity with Pope Francis: Pope Leo XIV’s election represents continuity with the papacy of the late Pope Francis, and he is expected to continue Francis’ reforms of the church as well as his focus on poverty and marginalized people. DNyuz

Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is marked by a commitment to humility, service, and a deep sense of global unity, echoing the ideas and spirit of Pope Francis while bringing his unique experiences and perspectives to the role.