History was made Thursday as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV — the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American to hold the role.
The 69-year-old was greeted with chants of “Viva il Papa” from the crowd below as he offered a brief address in Italian, Spanish and Latin. He thanked his fellow cardinals, honored the legacy of Pope Francis, and delivered a message of unity and peace: “Evil will not prevail. God loves everyone unconditionally.”
Leo XIV is also the first pope from the Augustinian order, a community rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine. Quoting the saint, Leo said, “For you, I am a bishop. With you, after all, I am a Christian” — a line signaling his emphasis on humility, unity and shared faith.
From Chicago to the Vatican
Born in Chicago in 1955 to Spanish and Franco-Italian parents, Robert Prevost graduated from Villanova University in 1977 with a degree in mathematics and later earned a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He was ordained in 1982 and moved to Peru in 1985 as part of an Augustinian mission.
Prevost served for years as a parish pastor and seminary professor in Trujillo, Peru, becoming known for his work among marginalized communities. He was appointed bishop of Chiclayo in 2014 and became a cardinal in 2023. Before the conclave, he led the Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops across Latin America and previously served as the global head of the Augustinian order.
Villanova, one of two Augustinian universities in the United States, celebrated his election, calling him “humble, prudent and warm” and saying his leadership reaffirms the university’s mission.
A Progressive Successor to Francis
Leo XIV is expected to continue many of Pope Francis’ priorities, including environmental care, support for the poor, and expanding voices within the church. In his first speech, he emphasized synodality — Francis’ initiative to improve communication and listening among church leaders and members.
A former roommate, the Rev. John Lydon, described him as “very concerned with the poor” and “down to earth.” Though American by birth, his decades in Latin America give him a global perspective — and the Vatican formally recognizes him as the second pope from the Americas.
Not Afraid to Speak Up
Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff to arrive with a public social media history — and it’s already drawing attention.
In February, he criticized U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance for using the theological concept of ordo amoris to justify immigration restrictions, writing, “JD Vance is wrong. Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
He also has retweeted critiques of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and voiced support for Dreamers. Following the death of George Floyd in 2020, he posted, “We need to hear more from leaders in the Church, to reject racism and seek justice.”
His posts suggest that Leo XIV may bring a more publicly engaged papacy — one willing to speak out on justice issues even when they are politically charged.
As the first American pope, and a leader shaped by both U.S. and Latin American contexts, Leo XIV steps into the role with a rare combination of local experience and global reach — and many are watching closely to see how he leads next.
