New Pope Announced

On May 8, 2025, around 12:15 p.m. CST, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was announced as the 267th pope.

Prevost, age 69, was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is the first pope to hail from the United States. He has chosen the papal name Leo XIV.

Papal names are often symbolic of a pope’s values, goals and an important glimpse into the vision a pope has for the Catholic Church. Looking back, the last pope to choose the name Leo was in 1878 with Pope Leo XIII, he is most known for his thoughtful, scholarly demeanor and his efforts to guide the Church into dialogue with the modern world rather than resist it. As there are many Pope Leo’s it is unsure which one Pope Leo XIV will align himself with. 

In terms of schooling, Pope Leo XIV attended Villanova University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics. In 1982, he earned a Master of Divinity degree at Catholic Theological Union. Finally, at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, he earned both a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1984 and a Doctor of Canon Law degree in 1987.

Pope Leo XIV brings decades of global experience to the papacy. He spent much of his over 50-year career as a missionary in South America, particularly in Peru, where he gained citizenship in 2015. His Vatican service includes leading roles as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, meaning he oversaw the selection of new bishops and he was the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Finally, he served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023.

Pope Leo XIV was prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013. The Augustinians are a Catholic religious order that follows the teachings and rule of Saint Augustine of Hippo. They are dedicated to community life, prayer and service, with a strong emphasis on education and missionary work. Overall he is considered a centrist in his beliefs. 

Pope Leo XIV will be the second Hispanic and the first American to hold the holy position of papacy.

 In his first words he proclaimed, “Peace be with you all. Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts to reach your families to all people everywhere to all the earth: peace be with you.” 

Pope Leo XIV steps into his role at a time of global uncertainty and transformation, carrying with him a legacy of service, scholarship and cross-cultural experience. Only time will tell what impact he will make.