First American Pope Elected: Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV

By Staff, Agencies

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, has made history as the first American-born pontiff, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

Though American by birth, Prevost spent most of his religious career abroad, especially in Peru, earning him the nickname “Latin Yankee” in Rome due to his deep connection with the region’s poor and marginalized communities.

Prevost’s pastoral and missionary work in Peru spanned over two decades, during which he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen. His rise mirrors aspects of Pope Francis’s own journey — an Argentine leader who championed the peripheries of the Catholic world.

“He’s right out of Francis’s playbook,” said Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a University of Notre Dame historian specializing in US Catholicism. “He checks every box: pastoral, experienced, and visionary.”

Known for his cautious and pragmatic approach, Pope Leo XIV also gained prominence under Pope Francis, who entrusted him with key roles. In 2022, Francis tapped Prevost to lead a major reform — allowing three women to join the influential body that oversees bishop nominations. Later, in 2023, Prevost was appointed both head of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Despite his elevation, Prevost's past has not been without controversy. He was chosen despite past allegations involving his handling of clerical sexual abuse cases in both the US and Peru.

While leading the Augustinian Province of Chicago, a priest who had been found to have abused minors was permitted to remain at a monastery near a Catholic school — though the Vatican denied Prevost personally authorized the arrangement.

Separately, as bishop in Peru’s Chiclayo diocese, he was criticized by abuse survivors for failing to properly investigate allegations involving two priests. The Vatican again dismissed claims of wrongdoing.

Cummings acknowledged the complexity of such issues, noting, “It’s certainly plausible that abuse occurred during his tenure, and just as plausible that he failed to act decisively — but unfortunately, this has been a systemic issue across the Church.”

Born and raised in Chicago’s South Side, Prevost’s early faith was shaped at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. He studied at Villanova University, earning a degree in mathematics before entering religious life and eventually earning a doctorate in canon law in Rome. He became fluent in five languages — English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French — and rose to twice lead the global Order of St. Augustine.

His global ministry, especially his connection to Latin America, set him apart among other cardinals during the papal conclave. “He was an enigma to many, especially American cardinals, because his ministry unfolded mostly outside the United States,” said theologian and Fox News contributor Jon Morris.

In his own words during a 2023 interview, Prevost emphasized humility and connection as essential virtues for Church leaders: “We must not hide behind an idea of authority that no longer makes sense today. The authority we have is to serve — to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.”