Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States has been elected the new pope of the Catholic Church, making him the 267th pope and the first American to ever hold the position.
His election followed the traditional conclave in the Vatican, where cardinals selected him to succeed Pope Francis.
He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has served the Church in many parts of the world.
He spent several years as a missionary in Peru, where he later became the bishop of Chiclayo.
His deep connection to the region led to him obtaining Peruvian citizenship in 2015. Pope Leo XIV’s time in South America is remembered for his close ties with communities and dedication to pastoral service.
Before being elected pope, he held a top role in the Vatican where he was in charge of appointing bishops globally.
This experience gave him deep insight into the structure and leadership of the Church worldwide.
Known for his quiet commitment to evangelism, Pope Leo XIV often spoke about his love for missionary work.
His new role is seen as a continuation of the direction taken by Pope Francis, with attention expected to be given to Church reforms, openness, and reaching out to people across different cultures and backgrounds.
With his American roots, Peruvian experience, and strong presence in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV brings a global perspective to his new role.
Catholics around the world now look to him as the spiritual head of the Church, guiding more than 1.4 billion followers into a new chapter.
