Chicago-Born Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff

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Published May 8, 2025, 05:24 PM

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV. The Chicago-born cleric is the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s nearly two-millennia history and succeeds Pope Francis. Prevost’s background includes years of ministry in Latin America, during which he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen. His election extends the recent pattern of popes coming from the Americas and represents a landmark moment for the U.S. Catholic community. The Vatican is expected to announce details of Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural liturgies and public appearances in the coming days.

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