Vatican City – Pope Robert Prevost, 69, is the 267th Pope and the first American in the role. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955 with Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, he spent many years as a missionary in Peru. He is considered a Latin American cardinal.
A former roommate described Pope Robert Prevost as “outgoing,” “down to earth,” and “very concerned with the poor.”
Service and Ministry of Pope Robert Prevost
Pope Robert Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained a priest in 1982. He moved to Peru in 1985, working for 10 years as a parish pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo. He later became prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, selecting and supervising bishops. He became an archbishop in January 2023 and was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis.
Seen as Continuing Pope Francis’ Reforms
Pope Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals in the conclave. The election of Pope Robert Prevost suggests a continuation of Francis’ reforms. Prevost is reported to share Francis’ views on migrants, the poor, and the environment. The Vatican calls him the second pope from the Americas and the first Augustinian pope.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said before the conclave that a new pope needed “a prophetic spirit” to lead a Church that “knows how to go out and bring light to a world marked by despair.”
A New Chapter for the Catholic Church
The election of Pope Robert Prevost starts a new chapter for the Catholic Church. His Latin American experience and work with marginalized groups are significant. He faces challenges like Church divisions. His commitment to the poor and environment will likely guide him. The world watches how Pope Leo XIV will shape the Church.
By Abdullah Korede
