Robert Prevost: American-Peruvian Cardinal with Global Experience Elected Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowds

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Peru, has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first American-born pontiff in history and a symbol of the Church’s growing global diversity.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost had long been considered a key figure within the Vatican due to his significant leadership roles and close ties to Pope Francis. In 2023, he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the Vatican office responsible for vetting bishop appointments worldwide—a role often considered one of the most powerful in the Catholic hierarchy. He also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, reinforcing his strong connection to the Church in the global south.

Bishop Robert Prevost blesses a woman during a Mass in Motupe, Peru, in September 2020.

Prevost’s deep roots in Latin America played a pivotal role in overcoming the traditional taboo against a U.S. pope, a concern based on the geopolitical influence already wielded by the United States. His Peruvian citizenship, which he acquired in 2015, and years of missionary and episcopal service in Peru helped establish him as a bridge between hemispheres.

He first arrived in Peru as a missionary and was later appointed as administrator and then archbishop of Chiclayo in 2014. Before his episcopal role, Prevost was twice elected as prior general—the highest leadership position—of the Augustinian order, the 13th-century religious congregation founded by St. Augustine. His long leadership experience within the Augustinians and his Vatican roles gave him rare prominence entering the conclave.

New Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost receives his biretta as he is appointed cardinal by Pope Francis during a consistory ceremony in Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City, September 2023.

Since relocating to Rome in 2023, Prevost kept a low public profile but remained highly regarded among Church insiders. His reputation as a trusted collaborator of Francis grew stronger when he presided over one of the most consequential reforms of the Francis era: adding three women to the previously all-male voting group that recommends bishop appointments to the pope. This act signaled a progressive vision and commitment to broader inclusion within Church leadership.

In early 2025, Francis elevated Prevost to the highest rank of cardinals, further solidifying speculation that he was the outgoing pope’s favored successor. Although some cardinals expressed hesitation about Prevost’s relatively young age—he could serve as pope for decades—his international credibility, administrative experience, and alignment with the Francis reform agenda ultimately secured the necessary support.

Newly-ordained Rev. Robert Francis Prevost greets Pope John Paul II in 1982. Photograph: St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

His pastoral character has also left a strong impression on those who knew him personally. Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, communications director for the Diocese of Chiclayo, recalled how Prevost would begin each day with prayer and breakfast among fellow priests. “No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humor and joy,” Purisaca said.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes the papacy at a moment of both challenge and opportunity, inheriting a global Church that is expanding in the global south, grappling with internal tensions, and continuing its efforts toward reform, accountability, and inclusion.