Before his name was even announced, people gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica were already cheering, shouting “Viva il Papa!” – which means “Long live the Pope!”
Robert Prevost, 69 years old, has become the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. He has chosen the name Leo XIV. He is the first American Pope, though many see him as part of Latin America because he spent many years working in Peru as a missionary and later became a bishop there.
Early Life and Journey
Robert Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955 to parents with Spanish and French-Italian roots. He was active in church from a young age, serving as an altar boy, and became a priest in 1982. In 1985, he moved to Peru for missionary work with the Augustinian Order. He later became a parish priest and taught in a seminary in Trujillo, a city in northern Peru.
He also holds Peruvian nationality and is well-loved there for his work with poor and marginalized communities. People remember him as someone who helped bring people together.
From Bishop to Pope
Pope Francis made Prevost the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. In January 2023, he became an archbishop and was soon named a cardinal. He also held a very important role in the Vatican as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, where he helped choose and guide bishops.|
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Because most of the cardinals who voted for the new Pope were appointed by Pope Francis, it is not surprising that someone with similar views like Prevost was chosen.
What Does Pope Leo XIV Believe?
Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue many of the changes started by Pope Francis. He cares deeply about migrants, the poor, and the environment. A friend who lived with him, Reverend John Lydon, described him as friendly, humble, and always concerned about helping the less fortunate.
Prevost has said he comes from a family of immigrants and grew up in a deeply religious Catholic household. While he is American, his long service in Peru connects him strongly to Latin America, like Pope Francis from Argentina.
The Vatican says he is the second Pope from the Americas and the first Pope from the Augustinian Order.
His Views on Key Issues
- Sexual Abuse Scandals: While sexual abuse scandals affected the Church during his time in Peru, there’s no evidence that Prevost tried to hide anything. His diocese denied any wrongdoing.
- Climate Change: He believes the Church must take real action to protect the environment. He supports using solar energy and electric vehicles in Vatican efforts to go green.
- Women in the Church: He supports including women in important roles, like helping choose bishops. He believes their views make the decision-making process better.
- LGBTQ+ Issues: His exact stance is not very clear. He supports a document by Pope Francis allowing blessings for same-sex couples and others in “unusual” situations, but he also believes local cultures should help guide how Church teachings are applied.
Why the Name “Leo”?
By choosing the name Leo, he is linking himself to past Popes who stood for strong values. Pope Leo I famously stopped Attila the Hun from attacking Rome, while Pope Leo XIII focused on workers’ rights and social justice. Experts say this shows Pope Leo XIV wants to stand up for social issues and justice too.
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A Pope for the People
In his first message as Pope, he spoke kindly about Pope Francis and encouraged everyone to move forward together, united with God. He seems ready to lead the Church with care, compassion, and a focus on the real problems people face today.
