Who Is the New Pope Leo XIV? 10 Things You Should Know About Him

The election of Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — has captivated the Catholic world and triggered a wave of interest, not just because he is the 267th successor to Saint Peter, but because he is also the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s 2,000-year history. For many, his name was unfamiliar before the conclave, but his record, his values, and his unique background are now coming into focus.

Pope Leo XIV, age 69, represents a blend of American origin, Latin American mission, global experience, and Augustinian spirituality. His election signals continuity with Pope Francis’ legacy, but with a pastoral style and background uniquely his own.

In this article, we break down 10 key things you need to know about Pope Leo XIV — his past, his vision, and why he matters.

1. He May Be American, But He’s the Least ‘American’ Among U.S. Cardinals

Although Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Vatican insiders long viewed him as the “least American” among American cardinals. His worldview, shaped by years spent outside the United States, reflects a global, missionary-oriented spirituality. He spent over a decade in Trujillo, Peru, before being appointed bishop of Chiclayo, another Peruvian city.

From 2014 to 2023, he led pastoral efforts there, building connections with underserved communities. He speaks fluent Spanish and Italian — a skill he demonstrated effortlessly during his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

2. Pope Francis Held Him in High Regard

Pope Francis’ trust in Cardinal Prevost was clear long before the conclave. According to CNN Vatican analyst Christopher Lamb, Francis respected him deeply and saw in him the kind of capable, thoughtful leadership the Church needed.

Described by those who knew him as calm, measured, and deeply pastoral, Pope Leo XIV was not a media star or a political player. Instead, he built his reputation on sincerity and balance — traits that earned him the respect of a deeply divided College of Cardinals.

3. He Comes from the Augustinian Order

Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian religious order, one of the oldest orders in Catholicism. He led the order for over a decade as Prior General, overseeing Augustinian missions and communities across the globe.

In his first public remarks as pope, he referenced the spiritual foundation of his order, quoting Saint Augustine: “For you, I am a bishop. With you, I am a Christian.” This message of shared faith and mutual service reinforces his vision of a more inclusive, humble Church.

4. He Brings Deep Institutional Experience

One of the most influential positions in the Vatican bureaucracy is Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — the office responsible for selecting bishops worldwide. Pope Leo XIV held that role under Pope Francis and also served as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

His understanding of global episcopal appointments, internal Church structures, and cross-cultural leadership make him well-equipped for the unique demands of the papacy.

5. His Heart Is in the Missions

Despite his role in the Church hierarchy, Pope Leo XIV still identifies first and foremost as a missionary. In interviews, he has said that proclaiming the Gospel and living among the people remains his primary calling. His decade in Peru had a profound impact on his theology and his pastoral priorities.

He has expressed that serving in Latin America taught him to listen before speaking and to prioritize justice for the marginalized. His missionary identity brings moral weight to issues like immigration, poverty, and human dignity.

6. He Holds Dual Citizenship — American and Peruvian

Though born in the United States, Pope Leo XIV also holds Peruvian citizenship. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, as recorded in the National Migration Registry. His deep connection with Peru has already shaped the way his papacy is being received in Latin America.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called his election “a historic moment for Peru and the world,” signaling how Pope Leo’s identity bridges North and South America in an unprecedented way.

7. His Papal Name Is a Signal to the Poor

Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name is not accidental. The last pope to bear the name Leo was Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903. Leo XIII was a champion of the poor, a defender of workers' rights, and a promoter of Catholic social teaching.

By choosing the name Leo, the new pope is aligning himself with a legacy of social advocacy and economic justice. In the context of today’s global inequality, this symbolic alignment could set the tone for how his papacy addresses capitalism, labor, and wealth disparity.

8. He Is Expected to Be a Centrist Unifier

Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as someone who will uphold Pope Francis’ social reforms while maintaining doctrinal continuity. He is expected to be more progressive on issues like climate change, refugee rights, and economic inequality, yet more centrist when it comes to moral and theological teachings.

To secure the two-thirds majority required in the conclave, Leo had to win over both reform-minded cardinals and more traditional voices. This balancing act reflects the global Catholic Church’s need for a bridge-builder — not a disruptor.

9. His Academic Background Is Surprisingly Technical

Before becoming a priest, Pope Leo XIV earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He later studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and eventually pursued a degree in canon law in Rome.

His academic rigor and intellectual curiosity are part of what makes him such an effective administrative and spiritual leader. While in Trujillo, he even taught canon law at the seminary — combining pastoral practice with legal precision.

10. Off the Altar, He’s a Tennis Fan

While Pope Leo XIV is serious about faith and leadership, he’s also a person with hobbies and human interests. In an interview with the Augustinian Order, he admitted he’s “quite the amateur tennis player.” Though he hasn’t had much time to play since leaving Peru, he looks forward to picking up the racket again. He also enjoys reading, walking, and traveling to new and unfamiliar places — reflecting an open-minded personality that values curiosity and connection.

A Pope for a Changing Church

As the first American to wear the white cassock, Pope Leo XIV represents a profound moment of transition for the Catholic Church. His election affirms the global scope of Catholicism, transcending European dominance while remaining anchored in centuries of tradition.

From his first address, he has shown humility, compassion, and continuity — invoking the memory of Pope Francis and calling the world to hope: “God loves us. God loves you all. And evil will not prevail.”

Whether his papacy ushers in dramatic reform or steady evolution remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Pope Leo XIV is no ordinary choice. His journey from Chicago to Chiclayo to St. Peter’s Basilica was long foretold — not only by the College of Cardinals, but perhaps, by destiny itself.