American Robert Francis Prevost became the 267th pope today. The Chicago native will soon appear at St Peter's Basilica as the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Prevost chose the name Leo XIV for his papacy.
The 69-year-old brings worldwide experience after serving as a missionary across South America. He ran a top Vatican office that selects bishops before his election. Church experts expect him to continue reforms started during Francis's time as pope. He worked for ten years in Trujillo, Peru, and served as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 until 2023.
Prevost told reporters last year that he always sees himself as someone who shares the Gospel message. He makes history as the first US citizen ever chosen to lead the Catholic Church. Cardinals selected him after meeting behind closed doors at the Vatican. His international background helped cardinals feel comfortable with their choice. He speaks several languages from his mission work abroad.
The 69-year-old brings worldwide experience after serving as a missionary across South America. He ran a top Vatican office that selects bishops before his election. Church experts expect him to continue reforms started during Francis's time as pope. He worked for ten years in Trujillo, Peru, and served as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 until 2023.
Prevost told reporters last year that he always sees himself as someone who shares the Gospel message. He makes history as the first US citizen ever chosen to lead the Catholic Church. Cardinals selected him after meeting behind closed doors at the Vatican. His international background helped cardinals feel comfortable with their choice. He speaks several languages from his mission work abroad.
