In a moment that will go down in Catholic Church history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected pope, making him the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Upon accepting his role, Prevost chose the name Pope Leo XIV.
At 69 years old, Leo XIV steps into the papacy following the death of Pope Francis, amid a sharply divided Church hierarchy over doctrinal direction. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, Leo XIV is seen by many as a bridge between progressive and conservative elements within the Vatican.
A Global Cleric with Chicago Roots
Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV grew up in the parish of St. Mary of the Assumption near Dolton, Illinois. From an early age, his vocation to the priesthood was evident.
“He was always different—humble, focused, and committed,” said John Doughney, a former classmate quoted by the Chicago Sun-Times. “Some of us fantasized about becoming priests. For him, it was a calling.”
Ordained in 1982, Prevost earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He spent over two decades serving in Peru, where he became Bishop of Chiclayo and a naturalized citizen before returning to Rome to lead the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, one of the Church’s most influential posts.
The Conclave and Choice of Name
The papal conclave, the secretive process by which cardinals elect a new pope, convened in the Sistine Chapel shortly after Pope Francis’ death. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and a two-thirds majority is required to select the next pontiff.
According to Vatican sources, Leo XIV emerged as a consensus candidate—neither radically progressive nor staunchly conservative.
“He represents the dignified middle of the road,” said Rev. Michele Falcone of the Order of St. Augustine in a recent New York Times interview.
Leo’s election also reflected a growing global voice within the Church, with cardinals participating from regions historically underrepresented, including Burma, Cape Verde, and Tonga.
Leadership Style: Humble and Pastoral
Pope Leo XIV is known for his emphasis on servant leadership. In a 2024 interview with Vatican News, he said, “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but one called to be humble, to be close to the people, to walk with them and suffer with them.”
His supporters highlight this approach as a needed return to grassroots pastoral leadership.
Positions on Key Issues
LGBTQ+ Rights
While Pope Francis was known for his openness toward LGBTQ+ Catholics, Pope Leo XIV has expressed more traditional views. In 2012, he warned against media normalization of the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families,” according to The New York Times.
Immigration
His time in Peru shaped his compassion for migrants. He received widespread praise for supporting Venezuelan refugees during his tenure there.
Church Reform and Criticism
While Leo XIV was a close ally of Pope Francis, critics have raised concerns over his past handling of clergy misconduct allegations. As reported by The Pillar, some abuse survivors have questioned his oversight. Pope Leo XIV has not yet addressed these claims since assuming the papacy.
War and Peace
Although his stance on the war in Ukraine remains unclear, Leo XIV’s alignment with Pope Francis suggests he will continue advocating for peaceful resolution in global conflicts.
A New Era for the Catholic Church
Leo XIV ascends to the papacy at a critical juncture for the global Catholic Church, balancing internal divisions and external pressures. With his Midwestern roots, Latin American experience, and Vatican leadership background, many observers believe he’s uniquely positioned to unite the faithful across continents.
“In one sense, every papacy builds upon its predecessors,” said Mary Hallan FioRito of The Catholic Association, “but each newly elected pope brings his own distinctive personality to the job.”
Now, more than 1.3 billion Catholics look to Pope Leo XIV for spiritual guidance in a world marked by uncertainty, division, and hope for renewal.
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