Who is Pope Leo XIV? 5 things to know about the first American-born pope

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7:01 pm

Meet Pope Leo XIV: The First American-Born Pope

The Catholic Church has a new leader, and history has been made! Following a two-day conclave, white smoke signaled the selection of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff. Born in Chicago, Illinois, the 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost now leads the global Catholic community.

Pope Leo XIV's journey to the papacy is fascinating. Raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, he attended St. Mary of the Assumption Parish. He is a member of the Augustinian religious order, taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He served as head of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013, based in Rome.

Before his historic election, Pope Leo XIV held a significant role within the Vatican. He earned a doctorate in Canon Law and spent two decades ministering in Peru as Bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican office responsible for appointing bishops worldwide. This experience undoubtedly prepared him for the immense responsibilities of his new role. His first words as Pope, delivered from the balcony, were a simple yet profound: "Peace be with you."

This is a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church, marking a new chapter with an American-born leader at its helm.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, American-born pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Chicago, Augustinian, Dicastery for Bishops, Vatican, Canon Law, Peru, Bishop of Chiclayo, Catholic Church, Pope Francis, conclave.

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