Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prevost Becomes the First American Pontiff

Tue Oct 21 2025 21:23:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, takes the helm of the Catholic Church, emphasizing compassion for the marginalized and environmental sustainability.

Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric with deep ties to Peru, has been elected as the first American pope, with supporters celebrating his commitment to social justice and community service.

Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was officially announced as the 267th pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV, receiving a warm welcome from enthusiastic crowds chanting "Viva il Papa" outside St. Peter's Basilica. Though he is the first American to ascend to the papacy, his extensive missionary work in Peru infuses him with a Latin American identity.

Born in Chicago to Spanish and Franco-Italian parents, Prevost became an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. He moved to Peru shortly after, where he dedicated over a decade to being a parish pastor and educator at a seminary in Trujillo, striving to uplift marginalized communities. His commitment has earned him respect and fond memories as a leader who bridges cultural divides.

In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV praised his predecessor, Pope Francis, and invited global unity and spiritual progress. "Let us advance together, united and hand in hand with God," he said. Public curiosity now turns to how he will navigate church reforms initiated by his predecessor.

With a background deeply rooted in pastoral care, Prevost took on significant roles, such as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014 and later Cardinal, where he influenced the selection of bishops in Latin America. His name selection, "Leo," signifies his intent to address pressing social issues, echoing the legacy of previous popes who championed worker rights during tumultuous historical periods.

While his approach to LGBT rights remains ambiguous, he has endorsed Pope Francis' willingness to bless same-sex couples while advocating for contextual understanding from bishops. His environmental stance includes urgent action against climate change, leading initiatives to adopt sustainable practices at the Vatican.

Within this new chapter for the papacy, Pope Leo XIV’s alignment with Francis' ideals on women in church leadership symbolizes a progressive shift. By recognizing the contributions of women in ecclesiastical settings, he aims to enrich the decision-making processes within the Church.

Excited supporters in Peru are already celebrating this pivotal moment, recognizing Pope Leo XIV as one of their own, bringing hope and potential reform to the Catholic Church amid ongoing challenges it faces worldwide.