Pope Leo XIV

Robert Prevost has just been chosen as the new pope. He will now be called Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American pope in history, and people across the U.S. and the world are very excited.

Who is Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV?

Pope Leo XIV, whose real name is Robert Francis Prevost, is the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first pope from the United States and became the 267th Pope on May 8, 2025. He is 69 years old and was born in Chicago.

Before becoming pope, he worked as a missionary in Peru. He helped poor and struggling people and worked with church leaders in Latin America. He speaks many languages and is known for promoting peace and unity.

In his first speech, he praised Pope Francis and said the Church should show love and help others. He chose the name Leo XIV and wore traditional Pope clothes to show respect for the past and hope for the future.

Early Life and Family

Pope Leo XIV was born on September 14, 1955, and raised in Chicago, USA. He holds dual citizenship—American and Peruvian. He began his ministry in Chicago and later spent many years serving in Chiclayo, a small city in northern Peru, where he became a bishop and was loved by the local people.

Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago and grew up in Dolton. His dad, Louis, was a Navy veteran and school leader. His mom, Mildred, had Creole roots and studied library science.

He went to St. Mary’s school and finished high school at St. Augustine Seminary in 1973. He was smart and active, winning awards. He studied math at Villanova, became a priest, and got more degrees in church law in Rome.

He has two older brothers, Louis and John. People called him "Bob" or "Rob" when he was young. His mom died in 1990, and his dad in 1997. He was very religious as a child and felt called to serve the Church early in life.

Missionary Work

Robert Francis Prevost became a priest in 1982 after joining the Order of Saint Augustine. He first taught math and physics at a high school in Chicago.

• In 1985, he went to Peru as a missionary. He worked in churches and seminaries, helping train future priests.
• In 1998, he became a leader in the Augustinian order and later led it worldwide from 2001 to 2013.
• In 2014, he became a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru. He worked to improve education, fight poverty, and support Church reforms.
• In 2023, he was chosen to lead the Vatican office that helps select bishops. In 2025, he became a cardinal-bishop, just before being elected pope.
• He is known as a wise, calm, and fair leader in the Church.

As Pope Leo XIV

Robert Prevost becoming pope shows that the Church wants to keep going with the changes started by Pope Francis. People think he will work to bring together people from different countries and opinions in the Church. He chose the name Leo XIV to honor Pope Leo XIII, who tried to solve big problems in the 1800s and bring people together.

Pope Leo XIV is seen as a calm, smart, and kind leader who will focus on peace and moving the Church forward.

Facts about Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV

• Pope Leo XIV is the 267th Pope – Elected on May 8, 2025, after the death of Pope Francis.
• First American Pope – He is the first pope born in the United States (Chicago, Illinois).
• Dual Citizenship – He is both American and Peruvian, after living and working in Peru for many years.
• Missionary Work – He spent almost 30 years in Peru, helping the poor and training young priests.
• Math Background – Before becoming a priest, he studied mathematics at Villanova University and taught math and physics at a Catholic high school in Chicago.
• Supports Church Reform – He continues the changes started by Pope Francis, like caring for the poor and the environment.
• Multilingual Leader – He speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and French, helping him connect globally.
• Choose the name Leo XIV – He picked this name to honor Pope Leo XIII, known for fighting for workers and justice.