Introduction to the New Pope, León XIV
On May 8, 2025, the 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American-born, Peruvian national, as the 267th successor of St. Peter and Bishop of Rome. This makes him the first American pope and the first Augustinian in papal history.
Background and Relevance
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost has a 30-year missionary background serving indigenous communities in Peru, earning him dual nationality. His strong spiritual and academic foundation, along with his multicultural roots, positions him as an ideal pope for our time.
Experts’ Perspectives
Political scientist and historian Dr. Mónica Uribe describes Prevost as “a discreet yet fierce jaguar, rather than a lion,” suggesting he will be more moderate and pragmatic than his predecessor, Pope Francis. Dr. David Foust, a researcher at ITESO, likens Prevost to “León XIV,” a new beginning for the Church’s leadership, being the second pope born in the Americas and the first American.
Prevost’s Journey to the Papacy
Prevost’s close relationship with Pope Francis is evident, as they share similar missionary spirits and backgrounds in religious orders with high-responsibility positions. Both rose from Latin American dioceses, not the Roman power circles, having direct pastoral contact with the humble flock in neighborhoods and indigenous communities.
Pope Francis’s Influence
Pope Francis propelled Prevost’s ecclesiastical career: he called Prevost to episcopal ordination in 2014, appointed him bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2015, made him a member of the Dicastery for Clergy in 2020, and later placed him at the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, elevating him to archbishop. In the 2023 consistory, he created Prevost a diaconal cardinal, and in February of the same year, promoted him to the order of cardinal bishop.
“A ‘Gringo’ with a Peruvian Soul”
In his first address, Prevost chose to send a greeting in Spanish to his “beloved diocese of Chiclayo, Peru,” rather than in English, despite being American. Analysts see this as intentional, highlighting his Peruvian identity born in the US.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Uribe predicts that Pope León XIV will focus on migration, ecology (reviving the Amazon Synod), and be a significant voice against war. Regarding contentious issues faced by Pope Francis, such as the Church’s stance on the LGBTQ+ community and communion for divorced and remarried individuals, Uribe believes León XIV will maintain distance from these matters.
Pope León XIV’s Characteristics and Preferences
- Enjoys Peruvian ceviche.
- Has been playing tennis since youth and supports the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
- Multilingual: proficient in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Latin.
- Multicultural background with a French father and Spanish mother.
- Holds degrees in mathematics and a doctorate in canon law.
- Frequent user of social media.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why León XIV? Experts agree that the chosen name references León XIII, the first 20th-century pope, who sought an economic message amid industrial revolution and advocated for subsidiarity of production means in favor of people. León XIII laid the groundwork for the Church’s social doctrine with the encyclical ‘Rerum novarum’ (1891).
- What are analysts’ expectations for Pope León XIV’s papacy? Dr. Mónica Uribe anticipates that Pope León XIV will prioritize migration, ecology, and be a strong voice against war. He is expected to avoid contentious issues like the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ individuals and communion for divorced and remarried.
