Who Is Pope Leo XIV? 10 Things About the First American Pope

When the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang and white smoke billowed over the Vatican, the world learned the Catholic Church had a new leader—and for the first time in history, he hails from the United States.

So who is Pope Leo XIV, and what sets him apart? Here are 10 things to know about the first American-born pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, entered the world on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. The son of Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez, his roots blend French, Italian, and Spanish heritage. He grew up in the Midwest before pursuing a religious life that would take him far beyond American borders.

Before donning the papal white, he tackled numbers. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University, an Augustinian Catholic institution in Pennsylvania. His studies didn’t stop there—he also took on philosophy and later canon law.

Leo XIV holds another historical first: he is the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to become pope. According to Vatican News, he made his solemn vows in the order in 1981 and spent much of his career in pastoral work, education, and missionary service.

Sent to Rome by his religious superiors, he pursued higher studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He earned his licentiate in 1984 and completed his doctorate the following year, focusing on the role of leadership within the Augustinian order.

According to the Washington Post, Pope Leo XIV shares Pope Francis’ emphasis on humility and service, but he's perceived as more centrist. While he speaks passionately about climate action and care for migrants, he has voiced concerns about "gender ideology" and reaffirms traditional stances on priesthood and doctrine.

Choosing "Leo" is no casual nod. It echoes Pope Leo XIII, the 19th-century leader celebrated for his teachings on social justice. According to ABC News, Leo XIII's encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for the Church's modern stance on workers' rights and dignity—themes Leo XIV may be keen to revisit in a contemporary light.

His service in Peru wasn't a brief chapter—it was a defining one. He arrived in the late 1980s and spent more than a decade there as a missionary, priest, and community leader. He eventually became the bishop of Chiclayo and holds Peruvian citizenship.

Before his papal election, Leo XIV served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key Vatican office that oversees the appointment of bishops around the world. His leadership here positioned him as a major player in shaping the Church's future hierarchy.

While many praise his diplomatic and pastoral qualities, his record is not without controversy. As reported by Forbes, critics have pointed to his time in Peru and in the Chicago-based Augustinian order, raising concerns over how he managed certain sexual abuse allegations. The Vatican has denied any wrongdoing on his part.

In his first address as pope, Leo XIV called for a Church that welcomes, listens, and embraces all. "We have to be a Church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open," he said. Delivered in both Spanish and Italian, his words hinted at the multicultural, multilingual, and mission-driven legacy he brings to the papacy.