Pope Leo XIV

Quick facts about Pope Leo XIV

1. Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. "Robert" is of Germanic origin (Hrodebert), meaning "bright fame." Selected the regnal name Leo XIV upon his election to evoke Pope Leo XIII and signal a primary focus on Catholic social teaching, labor dignity, and ethical frameworks navigating the rise of artificial intelligence and automated industry.
2. Entered the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. Holds dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship following decades of missionary and episcopal service in Peru, including roles as Prior General of the Augustinians (2001–2013) and Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023).
3. Sworn in as the 267th Bishop of Rome and Sovereign of Vatican City State on May 8, 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. He is the first pope hailing from the United States and the first member of the Augustinian Order elected to the papacy in modern history.
4. Served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (2023–2025) before his papal election, managing global episcopal selection procedures.
5. Confronted the second unauthorized Écône episcopal consecrations, issuing formal decrees of excommunication and confirming a renewed canonical schism with the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).
6. He is the 14th leader in Catholic history to adopt the name, "Leo"