The New Pope, Pope Leo XIV
- Ryan Yin
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Sonia Rumfelt,
New York, USA
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election marked several historic firsts: he is the first American-born Pope, the first to hold Peruvian citizenship, and the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to ascend to the papacy.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Prevost was raised in a multicultural family with Spanish, French, and Italian roots. He pursued religious studies at Villanova University and the Catholic Theological Union, later earning degrees in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Ordained in 1982, Prevost dedicated much of his early ministry to missionary work in Peru, where he served in various capacities, including as Bishop of Peru.
Before he was elected pope, Prevost held significant positions within the Vatican, notably as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His extensive experience in both pastoral and administrative jobs made him a unique and underlying candidate for the pope which would have the role of addressing the diverse challenges facing the global church.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration on May 18, 2025, had over 200,000 attendants, including international dignitaries. He emphasized themes of unity, peace, and love, calling for an end to global hatred and violence. He also expressed a desire to continue the approaches of Pope Francis, which aimed to create a Church that is inclusive and compassionate.
One of the earliest challenges of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy involves addressing the Church’s history of handling sexual abuse cases. As Bishop in Peru, Prevost had taken action against Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a lay movement plagued by abuse scandals. He met with victims and made efforts to support their legal efforts. He also facilitated a Vatican investigation that led to the SCV’s dissolution in 2024.
In the weeks following his inauguration, Pope Leo XIV began outlining a vision for a more transparent and globally united Catholic Church. He emphasized the importance of listening to marginalized voices within the Church, including women, youth, and Indigenous communities. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV has voiced strong concerns about the environmental crisis, continuing Pope Francis’s legacy by supporting the goals of Laudato Si. He also hasurged nations to act quickly to battle climate change. In his first encyclical, expected later this year, he is anticipated to address environmental justice, poverty, and the need for interfaith cooperation (Forbes).
Pope Leo XIV’s personality is also shaping public perception. Known for his humility, he has declined some traditional papal luxuries, choosing instead to live simply. Additionally, his multilingual background - fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian - helps him to connect with a diverse global audience.
Though he is early in his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has already signaled that his leadership will emphasize healing, dialogue, and reform. Catholics worldwide are watching closely as he takes on the responsibility of guiding the Church through a time of cultural, spiritual, and institutional change.
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