Before the announcement of his name from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the assembled crowds below were already chanting ‘Viva il Papa’ – Long live the Pope. Robert Prevost, aged 69, is set to become the 267th Pope, adopting the name Leo XIV. He is notable for being the first American to assume the papacy.
However, his extensive missionary work in Peru has led many to regard him as a cardinal from Latin America. Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, Prevost began his religious journey as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982.
He relocated to Peru three years later but frequently returned to the United States to fulfill his duties as a pastor and priest in his hometown.
The prevost holds Peruvian nationality and is well-regarded for his efforts to support marginalized communities and foster connections. He dedicated a decade to serving as a local parish pastor and teaching at a seminary in Trujillo, located in northwestern Peru.
In his inaugural address as Pope, Leo XIV expressed admiration for his predecessor, Francis, stating, ‘We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis, who blessed us.’ He urged the enthusiastic crowds, ‘United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.’
Additionally, he reflected on his involvement with the Augustinian Order, having joined an Augustinian mission in Peru at the age of 30. Following Francis’s election, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru a year later.
He is widely recognized among cardinals due to his prominent position as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, which plays a crucial role in the selection and oversight of bishops.
He was appointed archbishop in January 2023, and shortly thereafter, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal. Given that 80% of the cardinals participating in the conclave were appointed by Francis, it is not surprising that Prevost was elected, despite his recent appointment.
He is perceived as a proponent of the continuity of Francis’ reforms within the Catholic Church. Prevost is thought to align with Francis’ perspectives on issues concerning migrants, the impoverished, and environmental matters.
Although he is American and is likely aware of the divisions within the Catholic Church, his Latin American heritage signifies a continuation following a Pope from Argentina.
The Vatican has characterized him as the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis, and the first Augustinian pope.
While serving in Peru, he has not been immune to the sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the Church; however, his diocese has strongly refuted any allegations of his involvement in cover-up attempts.
Prior to the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted that during meetings of the College of Cardinals leading up to the conclave, there was a consensus on the necessity for a pope possessing ‘a prophetic spirit capable of guiding a Church that does not isolate itself but is willing to reach out and illuminate a world overshadowed by despair.’
