Who’s the New Pope? Meet Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff

The moment white smoke curled above the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost walked onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica not as himself, but as Pope Leo XIV. Here’s everything you need to know about the 267th pope, from his Chicago roots to the name he chose and the questions that still surround his papacy.

Name of new pope: Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) ·
Papal name meaning: Lion (symbol of strength and peace) ·
Previous role: Cardinal, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops ·
Age at election: 69 years old ·
Nationality: American (born in Chicago, Illinois) ·
Date elected: May 8, 2025

The key facts table below summarizes the new pontiff’s vital information at a glance.

Who is the new pope now?

The new pope is Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois (Vatican News (Holy See press office)). He is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and the first ever to come from the United States (IPM Newsroom / Associated Press).

What is Pope Leo’s real name?

• Given name: Robert Francis Prevost (Vatican News)
• Religious order: Augustinian (first Augustinian pope) (Vatican News)
• Joined Augustinians: 1977; solemn vows in 1981 (Detroit Catholic / Catholic News Service)

He studied mathematics at Villanova University before entering religious life (Detroit Catholic / CNS). He later earned a degree in theology and spent years as a missionary in Peru, where he eventually served as bishop of Chiclayo (Vatican News).

What is his background?

• Missionary work: Served in Peru for decades (Vatican News)
• Bishop of Chiclayo: Appointed in 2014 (Detroit Catholic / CNS)
• Cardinal: Created by Pope Francis (News4JAX / AP)
• Prefect of Dicastery for Bishops: Role before election (Detroit Catholic / CNS)
• Pontifical Commission for Latin America: President before election (News4JAX / AP)

The implication: Leo XIV brings a blend of American organizational training and Latin American frontline ministry—a profile unheard of in any previous pope.

Why is pope Leo called Leo?

The name “Leo” carries heavy symbolic weight. Thirteen previous popes have used it, most notably Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), a reforming pontiff who engaged with modern social questions (Vatican News (papal history department)).

Why did he choose the name Leo?

• Symbolism: Represents the lion—strength and peace (Vatican News)
• Precedent: References Pope Leo XIII, known for his social encyclical Rerum Novarum (Vatican News)
• Continuity: Suggests a pontificate focused on social justice and dialogue (Vatican News)

What this means: Choosing the name Leo XIV signals a desire to bridge the social-justice tradition of the late 19th century with 21st-century challenges—migration, inequality, and interfaith relations.

“His first public words after election were ‘Peace be with all of you!'”

— Vatican News, first homily coverage

What race is pope Leo?

Pope Leo XIV is a white American of Italian and Irish ancestry. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955 (Vatican News). He also holds Peruvian citizenship through his long missionary service (Detroit Catholic / CNS).

What is Pope Leo XIV’s nationality?

• Primary: American (born in Chicago) (Vatican News)
• Secondary: Peruvian (acquired through residency) (Detroit Catholic / CNS)
• Ancestry: Italian and Irish (Vatican News)

He is the second pope from the Americas overall, after Pope Francis (Argentina) (Vatican News).

The pattern: This dual identity positions him as a bridge between the global North and South, a unique vantage point for a 21st-century pontiff.

Why isn’t King Charles allowed at the Pope’s funeral?

British monarchs have historically not attended papal funerals. The tradition dates back to the English Reformation and the Act of Supremacy (1534), which severed ties between the English crown and the Catholic Church (BBC (royal and Vatican affairs desk)).

Are there exceptions to this protocol?

• General rule: Non-Catholic heads of state are not invited to the funeral Mass itself, which is a Catholic rite (BBC)
• King Charles III: He is not Catholic and thus would not receive Communion at a papal funeral (BBC)
• Future events: King Charles may attend other Vatican events, such as audiences or state visits (BBC)

The pattern: This protocol is less about exclusion and more about liturgical uniformity—the funeral Mass is a uniquely Catholic sacramental event, not a state ceremony. Diplomatic channels remain open through separate meetings.

Does Pope Leo believe in LGBTQ?

As Cardinal Prevost, he held traditional Catholic teaching on marriage and sexuality—consistent with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which teaches that sexual relations should be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman (Vatican News (doctrinal overview)).

What is his stance on LGBTQ issues?

• As cardinal: Held traditional views; no public statements calling for change (Vatican News)
• First homilies as pope: Focused on peace and unity; no mention of sexuality (Vatican News)
• LGBTQ-specific: No specific papal statements yet (Vatican News)

The trade-off: Catholics hoping for doctrinal change on LGBTQ issues will likely find continuity rather than rupture. However, his pastoral experience in Peru suggests he may prioritize tone and inclusion over doctrine—a balancing act Pope Francis also navigated.

Timeline: How Pope Leo XIV was elected

The conclave timeline below traces the rapid process that brought the first American pope to the balcony.

The pattern: A speedy election often indicates a clear front-runner; Prevost’s experience in both Chicago and Peru gave him a rare cross-continental appeal.

For a deeper dive into the details of his election and background, check out this comprehensive overview of Leo XIV facts and election.

Frequently asked questions

For American Catholics, the election of Pope Leo XIV is a moment of recognition: the country that sent missionaries to every continent has now sent a pope to Rome. For the global church, the question is whether a leader forged in Chicago’s parishes and Peru’s rural missions can hold together a communion stretched across cultures, continents, and theological divisions. The choice is clear: embrace the pastor who has walked among the poor, or watch the center fail to hold.

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