Bishop Robert Prevost has been named the new Pope after four rounds of voting. He is the first American to have ever been elected pope.
Created as a Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, Bishop Robert Prevost, 69, stands out as a prominent figure thanks to his wide recognition within the Church. As the former head of Pope Francis’s key advisory body on selecting new bishops, Prevost holds considerable influence among a diverse and often divided group of cardinal-electors. He was considered by many as a middle-of-the-road candidate.
Born in Chicago to a family of Italian, French, and Spanish heritage, he was once described by Vatican journalist Iacopo Scaramuzzi in La Repubblica as “the least American of the Americans.” Prevost spent the early part of his vocation as a missionary in Peru and later rose to senior leadership roles in the Vatican—an uncommon blend of pastoral, administrative, and diplomatic experience.
His chosen name is Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIII passed away in the early 20th century at the age of 93. He is remembered as a thoughtful and intellectual figure, known for his enjoyment of composing Latin poetry and for his diplomatic finesse and strong communication skills, which helped strengthen the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the broader world.
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