Robert Prevost, 69, was chosen as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, on Thursday, the second day of deliberations at the papal conclave.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, Prevost was considered a leading candidate to succeed following his death last month. However, some reports suggested his American nationality might be a disadvantage due to concerns about potential U.S. influence through the religious leader.

Leo XIV’s connection to the Vatican began when Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023. This position is crucial in the Catholic Church, as it involves reviewing bishop nominations worldwide.

Francis later elevated him to the rank of Cardinal in September 2023.

Leo was known to share similar views with Francis, particularly regarding the environment, aiding the poor and migrants, and making the more inclusive.

Before ascending to the papacy, he entered the Order of Saint Augustine novitiate in Saint Louis in 1977, marking the start of his training before ordination.

He made his solemn vows in August 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1982.

In 1985, he became part of the , serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas for a year.

From 1987 to 1988, he returned to the U.S. as pastor for vocations and director of missions for the Augustinian Province of Chicago. He then went back to Peru for ten years, leading the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo and teaching Cannon Law.

In 1999, he returned to his hometown and was elected provincial prior of the “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago.

Leo was later elected twice .

After becoming pope in 2013, Francis recognized Leo’s potential and sent him to Peru in 2014 as the administrator and later archbishop of Chiclayo.

Leo obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015 and remained there until his move to the Vatican in 2023.

During his final years in Peru, from 2018 to 2023, Leo also served as vice-president of the permanent council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference, a role that likely contributed to his appointment as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Francis.

 

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