Leo XIV the First American Pope Making History All the Shocking Facts You Need to Know
History has been made, and it’s a proud moment for America! Cardinal Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago, has been elected as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church—now officially known as Pope Leo XIV. This is the first time in history that an American has risen to lead the Catholic Church, and the world is watching closely.
Born in 1955 to Spanish and Franco-Italian parents, Leo XIV’s journey began in Chicago where he served as an altar boy. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and soon after moved to Peru, a country that shaped much of his mission work and leadership style. Today, he’s celebrated not just as a pope, but as a bridge-builder and a voice for the marginalized.
With dual American and Peruvian nationalities, Pope Leo XIV spent over a decade as a parish pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo, Peru. His humility, compassion, and missionary spirit have left lasting impressions in South America.
Appointed by the late Pope Francis, Leo XIV began working within the Vatican system in 2014, first serving as Bishop of Chiclayo, then Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao. In 2023, he rose to become Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing bishop nominations worldwide.
In his own words, Pope Leo XIV says, “A bishop is not supposed to be a little prince… but to walk with the people, serve them, and suffer with them.”
As President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and now leader of 1.3 billion Catholics globally, Leo XIV brings a unique blend of American dynamism and Peruvian grassroots service.
