Aasai

In a historic first, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected pope, becoming the first American to lead the Catholic Church. The Chicago-born prelate, now Pope Leo XIV, is known for his calm demeanor and extensive missionary work in Peru. His deep pastoral focus and experience in both the global South and the Vatican’s powerful inner circles set him apart among American cardinals.

Prevost’s rise was foreshadowed by his 2023 appointment as head of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he advised Pope Francis on global bishop appointments. This trusted position reflected his reputation as a moderate and a unifier, aligning with Francis’s vision of a Church reaching out to the margins. Vatican observers viewed him as a leading contender due to his global perspective and ability to navigate Church bureaucracy with humility and tact.

Despite his U.S. roots, the Italian press dubbed him “the least American of the Americans” for his soft-spoken approach and sensitivity to global issues. Prevost has emphasized the Church’s need to adapt its outreach in a changing world, stressing that the core Gospel message remains the same, even as methods must evolve to connect with youth, the poor, and political leaders alike.

Born in 1955, Prevost began his spiritual journey in the Order of St. Augustine and spent a decade in Peru before rising to top roles within the Church. After a period of leadership in the U.S. and globally with the Augustinians, he returned to Peru in 2014 as apostolic administrator of Chiclayo. His long-standing commitment to Latin America continues in his role as president of the Pontifical Commission for the region, rounding out a career that bridges continents and cultures.