Robert Francis Prevost is the new head of the Catholic Church. He is now Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope in history. Before the official announcement, crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica chanted, “Viva il Papa” – Long live the Pope.
American Origins, Latin American Heart
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago in 1955. He is the first American-born pope. Still, many see him as a Latin American figure due to his years of service in Peru. His background includes Spanish and Franco-Italian roots. 
He became a priest in 1982. In 1985, he moved to Peru as a missionary. He spent many years working with poor and marginalised groups. He also taught in a seminary in Trujillo and served as a local pastor.
In 2014, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo. A decade later, he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis. He became an archbishop in 2023.
A Humble Voice from the Balcony
After being named Pope, Leo XIV greeted the crowd with words of unity. He spoke warmly of Pope Francis, calling his voice “weak but courageous.” He urged people to walk forward together with faith in God.
Family and Early Life
Leo grew up in a devout Catholic family. His parents were active in their local parish. In an interview, he shared that his grandparents were French and Spanish immigrants. His family history also connects him to New Orleans. Records show his maternal grandparents lived in the city’s Seventh Ward.
Some historical records identify his grandparents as Black or of mixed race. Others later recorded them as white after moving to Chicago. This reflects how families tried to escape racial discrimination.
Pope Leo’s Vision and Values
Pope Leo XIV is seen as a bridge-builder. He has focused on social justice and support for migrants. By choosing the name Leo, he aligns with Pope Leo XIII, who fought for workers’ rights and justice during the industrial revolution.
Leo has supported Pope Francis’ approach to climate change. He advocates for real action, like using solar energy and electric vehicles at the Vatican.
He also supports women’s roles in the Church. In 2024, he spoke in favor of women helping select new bishops. He believes their views enrich decision-making.
Views on Migrants and Politics
Leo XIV has shown concern for migrants and refugees. A social media account linked to him criticized harsh deportation policies. He reposted articles calling for compassion for immigrants. He also disagreed with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s stance on loving others selectively. However, the Vatican has not confirmed ownership of the account.
Peru – His Second Home
Pope Leo calls Peru his “second homeland.” He obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015. During his time there, he ran programs for poor families. These included soup kitchens, housing projects, and child care.
He returned to Peru multiple times to serve the Church. He was deeply involved in local parishes and trained future priests.
Abuse Allegations and Challenges Ahead
Leo XIV faces scrutiny over past abuse cases in Peru. Three women accuse him of failing to act on complaints against a priest in Chiclayo. The cases date back to 2007. They claim no serious investigation was made when they raised the issue in 2022.
Church officials deny this, stating an inquiry was held but later closed due to lack of evidence. However, the case was reopened in 2024. The outcome remains unclear.
These allegations, along with the broader crisis of abuse in the Church, will be major tests for his papacy.
Conclusion
Pope Leo XIV brings a mix of American heritage and Latin American mission. His focus on justice, the environment, and Church reform reflects his commitment to change. As he begins his role, he faces both great hope and serious challenges.
