Who is Robert Prevost, The First US-Born Pope?

In a historic break from tradition, Catholic cardinals in the Sistine Chapel elected Robert Francis Prevost—an Augustinian missionary who served decades in rural Peru—as pope.

At 69, Prevost holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship and chose a name, Leo XIV, honoring Leo XIII’s legacy of social reform.

From the loggia, he told crowds, “peace be with you,” and emphasized bridge-building, charity, and inclusive dialogue.

His election, marked by jubilant white smoke and global flags, follows key Vatican reforms he led, including adding women to the bishop nomination process.