Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope
In a historic decision, cardinals concluded the 2025 papal conclave in under 24 hours, electing Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new pontiff, marking a significant moment in the Catholic Church as he becomes Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States.
Early Life and Education
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, carries the distinction of being the first American pontiff in the church’s long history. Raised in a devout Catholic family in the suburb of Dolton, Prevost shared his upbringing with two brothers. Local residents remember the Prevost family for their strong religious commitment and active involvement in their church community.
Prevost pursued higher education, initially obtaining a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He later studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he earned a Master’s of Divinity. At 27, he traveled to Rome for further studies and was ordained as a priest in 1982. He subsequently completed a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Church Career and Leadership
After his ordination, Prevost served as a missionary in Peru before returning briefly to the U.S. He eventually went back to Peru to manage an Augustinian seminary in Trujillo. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he was later named a bishop in 2015. His elevation to cardinal came in 2023, and he held the position of head of the Dicastery for Bishops prior to his election as pope.
At 69, Prevost is viewed as a centrist, often aligning with progressive social views, particularly in support of marginalized groups akin to Pope Francis. However, he maintains traditional stances on certain doctrinal issues, such as his opposition to the ordination of women as deacons.
Reactions to His Election
The announcement of Pope Leo XIV’s election elicited congratulatory messages from notable figures, including former President Donald Trump, who expressed pride in the representation of an American pontiff. Trump stated, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
Former President Barack Obama also shared his well-wishes for “a fellow Chicagoan,” emphasizing the significance of this historic event for the United States. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated the news with humor, tweeting, “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”
The Significance of the Papal Name
Upon his election, Pope Leo XIV chose the name Leo, historically significant within the Church, previously held by 13 other popes. This choice connects him to Pope Leo the Great, who is remembered for his influential leadership and theological contributions. As CBS News contributor Candida Moss noted, the name Leo might signify Pope Leo XIV’s intention to confront oppressive political forces much like his predecessor did in the past.
Choosing a papal name symbolizes a new beginning for the newly elected pope, representing a shift in focus and mission as he embarks on his leadership journey. Dennis Doyle, a theologian, underscored that the name reflects the pope’s envisioned direction and vision for his term.
The election of Pope Leo XIV is a pivotal moment not just for the Catholic Church but also for the United States, marking a historic milestone that resonates across both religious and national contexts.