The pontificate
Leo XIV, the 267th pope
Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago in 1955, an Augustinian and for many years a missionary in Peru, was elected Bishop of Rome on 8 May 2025, on the second day of the conclave.
Biographical landmarks
- 1955
Born in Chicago (Illinois, United States).
- 1977
Enters the Order of Saint Augustine.
- 1982
Ordained a priest in Rome.
- 1985–1998
Missionary in Peru, notably in Trujillo, as formator and teacher.
- 2001–2013
Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine for two terms.
- 2015–2023
Bishop of Chiclayo (Peru).
- 2023
Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
- 2023
Created cardinal by Pope Francis.
- 2025
Elected pope on the fourth ballot; he takes the name Leo XIV.
Why “Leo”?
The new pope explained that he chose this name in reference to Leo XIII, author of the encyclical Rerum novarum (1891) on the social question raised by the industrial revolution. He sees it as a compass for the Church facing a new revolution, that of artificial intelligence, and the challenges it poses to human dignity, justice and labour.
His profile as a cardinal
Read the profileBefore his election, Cardinal Prevost was in our database like every other elector. His scores, based on his public positions, remain available.
The College he inherited
Current breakdown of cardinal electors by the pope who created them.
- Francis95
- Benedict XVI17
- John Paul II4
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