Who Is Robert Prevost, Now Known as Pope Leo XIV?

 

Even before his name was formally announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the crowd below was already chanting “Viva il Papa!” — “Long live the Pope!”

Robert Prevost, 69, has been named the 267th pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

He is the first American to ascend to the papacy, though many also see him as a Latin American cardinal, given the decades he spent as a missionary and bishop in Peru.

Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, Prevost began his path in the Church as an altar boy and was ordained a priest in 1982. He moved to Peru in 1985, returning to the U.S. periodically to serve as a pastor and religious leader in his hometown.

Holding dual Peruvian nationality, Prevost is remembered fondly for his work with marginalized communities and his efforts to foster inclusion and dialogue. In Trujillo, northwestern Peru, he spent a decade as a parish priest and seminary teacher.

As part of the Augustinian Order, Prevost moved to Peru at age 30 on a mission that would define much of his spiritual life. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo.

In his first address as Pope Leo XIV, he paid tribute to his predecessor, Francis, saying: “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us.” He continued, “United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,” prompting cheers from the gathered faithful.