VATICAN CITY — In a historic and unexpected turn, Cardinal Robert Prevost, a quietly influential figure with roots in Chicago and decades of missionary service in Peru, has been elected by Catholic cardinals worldwide as the first-ever American pope. The 69-year-old cleric will now lead the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church under the name Pope Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis, who had held the papacy since 2013.
Despite his low global profile and limited media appearances, Leo XIV’s deep ties to social justice and pastoral work have made him a respected voice within Church corridors. Friends describe him as humble, warm, and grounded—a man of action rather than applause.
“He’s got a wry sense of humor and plenty of common sense,” said Rev. Mark Francis, a longtime friend who studied with Prevost in the 1970s. “But above all, he’s always been about the Church’s mission to the poor and marginalized.”
Prevost’s path to the papacy is anything but conventional. After years as a missionary bishop in Peru, he took Peruvian citizenship in 2015, giving him dual nationality. That same year, Pope Francis brought him to Rome to head the Vatican’s powerful Congregation for Bishops, effectively placing him in charge of selecting bishops around the world—a role that gave him far-reaching influence behind the scenes.
While his election marks a new chapter, questions linger. His views on hot-button issues such as the ordination of women remain cautious, echoing Pope Francis’ reservations. And though he was praised for aiding an abuse victim in Peru, the watchdog group Bishop Accountability noted a “mixed record” on his broader handling of clergy sexual abuse cases.
Still, his supporters believe his pastoral experience and administrative acumen position him well for the challenges ahead. Whether Leo XIV will usher in continuity or chart a bold new course remains to be seen—but his election signals a Church still leaning into global diversity and unexpected leadership.
History has been made. The world will now be watching Pope Leo XIV—an American missionary pope shaped by the Andes, stepping onto the world stage from the shadows.
"I'm just thrilled. I hope this can bring to America a more loving community. I think there's a lot of hate in America. I think there's a lot of racism. I have experienced it," said Lailah Brown, 28, an African American from Seattle. "I hope America does not embarrass the pope," she said. Unlike Francis, who spurned much of the trappings of the papacy from the day he was elected in 2013, Prevost wore a traditional red papal garment over his white cassock as he first appeared as Leo XIV. SNAP, a US-based advocacy group for victims of clerical sex abuse, expressed "grave concern" about his election, renewing accusations that Prevost failed to take action against suspected predatory priests in the past in Chicago and in Peru. "You can end the abuse crisis — the only question is, will you?" it said in a statement addressed to the new pope. In an interview with the Vatican News website in 2023, Prevost said the Church must be transparent and honest in dealing with abuse allegations. CHICAGO CELEBRATES A crowd of clergy and staff members at Chicago's Catholic Theological Union erupted in a joyful cheer as Pope Leo walked out onto the Vatican balcony, some four decades after he graduated from the South Side school. It was an "explosion of excitement and cheers that went up in the room ... many of us were just simply incredulous and just couldn't even find words to express our delight, our pride," said Sister Barbara Reid, president of the theology school. Pope Leo graduated from the school in 1982 with a master's degree. Reid called Leo intellectually brilliant, saying he has an extraordinarily compassionate heart. "It's an unusual blend that makes him a leader who can think critically, but listens to the cries of the poorest, and always has in mind those who are most needy," she said. THE NAME LEO The last pope to take the name Leo led the Church from 1878-1903. Leo XIII was known for his devoted focus to social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. Prevost has attracted interest from his peers because of his quiet style and support for Francis, especially his commitment to social justice issues. Prevost served as a bishop in Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023. Francis brought him to Rome that year to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing which priests should serve as Catholic bishops across the globe, meaning he has had a hand in selecting many of the world's bishops.
