Who Is Pope Leo XIV? 20 Fascinating Facts About the Pro-Women, Pro-Immigrant Latin America Advocate

Chicago-born Robert Prevost today became the successor to his friend, Pope Francis . He took the name Leo XIV and is considered a man of progressive but moderate philosophies.

Little is known about his personal preferences. More information will be for sure released in the coming days. However, there are several very interesting things about his history—his connection to Latin America, his defense of migrants, and his criticism of the current United States government— that are worth knowing.

1. First American Pope

Leo XIV is the first pontiff born in the United States, specifically in Chicago in 1955. This election breaks with a tradition of more than two millennia in the Catholic Church.

2. Peruvian nationality

In addition to his American citizenship, Leo XIV obtained Peruvian nationality in 2015, after decades of missionary work in Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo.

3. First Augustinian Pope in centuries

A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he is the first pontiff of this order in more than 500 years, since Eugene IV in the 15th century.

4. Education and multilingualism

Prevost has a background in mathematics, philosophy, and theology. He is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and has a knowledge of Latin and German.

5. Missionary experience in Peru

His work in Peru included roles as a missionary, educator, ecclesiastical judge, and teacher. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 until his appointment to the Vatican in 2023.

6. Closeness to Pope Francis

Prevost was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America by Pope Francis in 2023, reflecting his alignment with his predecessor's reformist vision.

7. Quick election in the conclave

His election as Pope was confirmed in the fourth ballot of the conclave, during the second day of deliberations, indicating a significant consensus among the cardinals.

8. Focus on synodality

Leo XIV emphasized the importance of synodality, promoting dialogue between bishops and laity to address the Church's contemporary challenges.

9. Call for peace and unity

In his first speech as Pope, he called for peace and bridge-building, highlighting the need for a missionary and dialoguing Church.

10. Tribute to his diocese in Peru

During his first public appearance, he expressed in Spanish his affection for the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he served as bishop, which was enthusiastically received by the faithful present.

11. Promoting women's participation in the Vatican

As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Provost supported and led the inclusion of women in leadership roles within the Roman Curia, one of Pope Francis's significant reforms.

12. Commitment to the modernization of the Church

Leo XIV has shown interest in continuing the reforms initiated by his predecessor, focusing on a more open, inclusive Church, adapted to contemporary challenges.

13. Integrative and moderate profile

He is considered a balanced figure between the conservative and progressive sectors within Catholicism, seeking unity and dialogue within the Church.

14. Inspiration in Leo XIII

The choice of the name Leo XIV evokes Pope Leo XIII, known for his encyclical "Rerum Novarum" and his focus on social justice, suggesting a continuity in concern for social issues.

15. Outstanding academic career

Prevost studied at Villanova University and earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he also taught.

16. Experience in training priests

He directed the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo, Peru, for a decade, playing a key role in the formation of new priests in the region.

17. Deep knowledge of Latin America

His extensive experience in Peru and his role on the Pontifical Commission for Latin America give him a deep understanding of the region's realities and challenges.

18. Appreciation for Peruvian culture

During his time in Peru, Prevost embraced local customs and showed a deep respect for Peruvian culture and traditions, strengthening his connection to the community.

19. Humble and approachable leadership style

He is described by those who know him as a humble, approachable person with a great listening ability, qualities that have shaped his pastoral style.

20. Commitment to social justice

Leo XIV has shown a strong commitment to social justice, focusing on caring for the marginalized and migrants. In fact, in Peru, he condemned the rise of xenophobia against Venezuelans. His last tweet before being elected Pope criticized the immigration positions of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and President Bukele of El Salvador.