History just got written. The Vatican has spoken, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica have rung, and yes — there’s a new pope! American-born, Robert Prevost, is officially Pope Leo XIV.
He has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, stepping into the sacred shoes of Pope Francis. Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost is no stranger to global faith — and his journey to the top is nothing short of inspiring.
As the white smoke flew above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday and the crowd in St. Peter’s Square roared in excitement, it marked the end of just one full day of voting by 133 cardinal electors. Clearly, they didn’t need much time to agree — this was their guy.
But who really is Pope Leo XIV?
Before the robes and title, he was a math student at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He later dove deep into theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, then got his canon law degree in Rome. In 1982, he officially became a priest and later packed his bags for Peru, where he’d spend a huge part of his life serving and teaching.
It’s probably that time in Peru that softened the concerns many cardinals might’ve had about picking an American pope — something the Church traditionally avoids due to the U.S.’s global political muscle. But Prevost? He’s not your typical American. He’s been a humble servant in Latin America, hands-on with communities, and deeply connected to the Church’s mission around the world.
Pope Leo XIV is described as balanced, level-headed, and grounded — someone who knows what needs to be done but doesn’t bulldoze people into doing it. He’s clear. He’s firm. But he’s also kind.
And now, he carries the hopes of over a billion Catholics across the globe.
Big shoes to fill? Absolutely. But if Prevost’s track record is anything to go by, the Church may be in thoughtful, compassionate hands.
