Key points regarding the recently appointed Pope, as per CNN:
Give a Scoop on the Background of the Newly Crowned Pope Leo XIV, aka Robert Prevo
In the heart of the Vatican, Prevo, born and bred in Chicago, isn't your typical American cardinal. Nevertheless, he's earned the title, as per CNN reports. Pope Francis held Prevo in high esteem, viewing him as a solid leader, a sentiment shared by the Vatican's correspondent, Christopher Lamb.
Prevost, hailing from the Augustinian order, served as its superior general for over a decade. His leadership acumen shines brightly in his appointments. Francis appointed Prevo as the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, a role responsible for assessing prospective bishops and recommending new appointments. Additionally, he served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Known for his dedication to missionary work, Prevost shared with Vatican News soon after his post, "I still view myself as a missionary. Every Christian's calling is to be a missionary, to spread the Word wherever we are."
Following the cardinals' conclave vote, Prevo claimed the title of the 267th pope, making history as the first American to rule the Holy See. His predecessor, Pope Francis, departed on April 21, 2025, after a prolonged illness at the age of 88. He succeeded Benedict XVI, who vacated the post due to health issues in 2013.
Prior to his papal reign, Prevo issued a call to the faithful to construct pathways for a reign of peace.
Fun Fact: Prevost descends from Italian, French, and Spanish lineages and also boasts Peruvian citizenship. After studying at an Augustinian minor seminary in Michigan and later securing a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Villanova University, Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1978 and was ordained a priest in 1982. With over a decade of ministering in South America and a dozen years as the prior general of the Augustinian order under his belt, Prevost has a wealth of leadership experience within the Catholic Church. Pope Francis entrusted him with crucial roles such as the presidency of the Dicastery for Bishops and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, showcasing his confidence in Prevost's abilities and understanding of the Catholic Church's global dynamics.
In the Vatican, the American-born Robert Prevo, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has been highly evaluated for his leadership in finance and business matters, according to CNN reports. Prior to his papal reign, Prevo, a member of the Augustinian order, served as its superior general for over a decade and was appointed by Pope Francis as the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, a position responsible for evaluating prospective bishops and making recommendations for new appointments. Post his ascension to the papacy in 2025, following the cardinals' conclave vote and the departure of Pope Francis, Prevo called upon the faithful to construct pathways for a reign of peace. He, an individual with origins tracing back to Italian, French, Spanish, and Peruvian lineages, brings a unique perspectives to the Catholic Church, having studied mathematics at Villanova University and ministered in South America before becoming the prior general of the Augustinian order.
