Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago and missionary in Peru, passionate tennis player and avid reader, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV
At 69 years old, he embodies a synthesis between North and South America, showing attention to the marginalized and no fear in criticizing power, as demonstrated three months ago when he addressed U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding anti-immigrant policies. As a moderate follower of Pope Francis, Leo XIV aims to be a unifying figure for a Church seeking unity, building bridges for peace, pursuing dialogue, and welcoming all. His approach signifies continuity without the abrupt changes introduced by Pope Francis from his first day in the Vatican.
Before the conclave, Prevost was described in the U.S. as “the cardinal who could make history.” Today, he has done so by appearing on the Apostolic Palace balcony with teary eyes and the awareness of the immense responsibility of being the 267th Pope in history.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago to a father of Italian and French descent and a mother of Spanish origin, Prevost’s biography is a crossroads of cultures. “All my grandparents