Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American, has been elected as the first pope from the United States, taking the name Leo XIV, according to an announcement from the Vatican.
Prevost was created a cardinal in 2023 by the late Pope Francis, who supported his ascent within the Vatican. Before his election, he served as a member of seven dicasteries—similar to ministries in the Vatican. Notably, he led the influential Dicastery for Bishops, where he acted as the former pope’s advisor on episcopal appointments.
A native of Chicago, Bishop Prevost dedicated two decades to missionary work in Peru and held the title of archbishop emeritus of Chiclayo in the northern region of the country. Within the Curia, the governing body of the Vatican, he is recognized as a moderate capable of reconciling differing viewpoints.
Vatican analysts had identified him as a frontrunner among American cardinals leading up to the election, citing his practical experience, global perspective, and adeptness at navigating Vatican bureaucracy. It is important to note that Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
