7 Interesting Facts About Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Catholic Church has officially welcomed a new leader. Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the balcony of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 133 cardinals convened in a closed conclave in Rome to choose his successor.

The election was signaled by the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel's chimney and the tolling of the bells at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Over an hour later, the newly elected pope appeared in his papal vestments on the basilica’s balcony and addressed the world.

"We must be a Church that works together to build bridges and always open our hands, as this square is welcoming," Pope Leo said in Italian to the gathered crowd.

Pope Leo XIV makes history as the first pope from the United States. Born in Chicago, he brings with him a unique background and story that hold global significance for Catholics and the wider public alike.

1. The First Pope from the United States

Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is 69 years old and originally from Chicago, Illinois. He brings with him a wealth of global experience from his service as a priest.

As reported by Vatican News, he was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost, who was of French and Italian heritage, and Mildred Martinez, who was of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martin and John Joseph.

2. Holds Dual Citizenship

Most of the career of this man, who studied mathematics, philosophy, and theology, was spent as a missionary in South America and as a bishop in Peru. He has also worked as a teacher, missionary, and parish priest.

Prevost even holds Peruvian citizenship, due to his significant concern for marginalized and migrant populations in that Latin American country.

In his address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday, Leo briefly spoke in Spanish and specifically greeted the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru.

3. First Pope from the Augustinian Order

On September 1, 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in Saint Louis, the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Chicago. He made his first vows on September 2, 1978. Three years later, on August 29, 1981, Robert Francis Prevost professed his solemn vows.

According to USA Today, the order was legally established in March 1244, when Pope Innocent IV united various groups of hermits to serve the Universal Church as the Mendicant Friars community.

The core values of this order are living together in harmony, with one mind and one heart on the way to God.

"The main purpose for you having come together is to live harmoniously in your house, intent upon God in oneness of mind and heart," reads the Rule of Saint Augustine.

4. Promotes Peace and Dialogue

In his first words as the successor to Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV said, "May peace be with you," and emphasized the message of peace, dialogue, and missionary evangelization.

During his speech, he wore the traditional red papal cassock, which was not worn by Francis when he was elected in 2013. He spoke to the audience in Italian and Spanish, but not in English.

5. Why He Chose the Name Leo

Cardinal Robert Prevost has been announced as the new pope and has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV. This name has been adopted by 14 popes.

According to a report by ABC News, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists on Thursday that the name is a direct reference to Leo XIII, the last pope to use the name Leo.

Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903, was a key figure in establishing the Church’s early social justice teachings. He is best known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum ("Of New Things"), which Bruni described as the cornerstone of modern Catholic social doctrine.

Pope Leo XIV's choice of name reflects a commitment to the Church’s traditional values while expressing a readiness to address the challenges of the present era.

6. Brought to the Vatican by Pope Francis

Pope Francis brought Pope Leo to work in the Vatican after previously appointing him in 2014 as the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. In April 2020, Pope Francis appointed him as the apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Callao, also in Peru, according to his official profile.

Since 2023, he has been serving in the Vatican as the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, which is responsible for screening and assessing bishop candidates worldwide.

He currently also serves as the President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

7. Stands with the Poor and Migrants

Pope Leo XIV is said to support the continuity of reforms initiated by the late Pope Francis, for the Catholic Church. He is reported to have the same views as Francis on environmental issues and the support for the poor and migrants.

He is also said to support the pastoral changes initiated by the late Francis, which allow divorced or civilly remarried Catholics to receive holy communion. However, he does not appear to continue the openness shown by Pope Francis to the LGBTQ community.

Editor's Choice: Indonesian Churches Hope Pope Leo XIV Upholds Francis' Legacy

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