A Historic Choice
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has become the 267th pontiff and the first American-born Pope. Though born in Chicago in 1955 to immigrant grandparents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, his deep ties to Latin America especially Peru have shaped his identity. After being ordained in 1982, he moved to Peru in 1985, where he spent a decade working as a local parish pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo. Known for his humility and commitment to the poor, Leo XIV is fondly remembered for building bridges with marginalized communities
Vision and ValuesIn his first words as Pope, Leo XIV honored his predecessor, Francis, and called for unity and progress. He is expected to continue Francis’ focus on social justice, environmental responsibility, and inclusiveness. He has voiced strong support for climate action, including practical steps like adopting solar panels and electric vehicles at the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV has also upheld Francis’ historic move to include women in key Vatican roles, stating that their perspectives enrich the Church’s discernment processes.
A Legacy of Reform
The choice of the name “Leo” signals a commitment to dynamic leadership and social reform. Experts link this to Pope Leo XIII, who addressed workers’ rights during the industrial revolution. While Pope Leo XIV has supported some inclusive moves like blessings for same-sex couples he emphasizes cultural sensitivity and local interpretation. With dual American and Peruvian nationality and a life of service across continents, Pope Leo XIV brings a global perspective, rooted in compassion and justice, to the future of the Catholic Church.