On Thursday (8/5/2025), the Vatican officially announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Catholic Church prelate born in Chicago, United States, was elected as the 267th Pope with the name Pope Leo XIV.
His coronation was marked by white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel at 18:07 Rome time, followed by the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica that shook the Vatican.
The election of Pope Leo XIV made history as the first Pope from North America in the history of the Catholic Church.
Not only that, Pope Leo XIV has a number of facts that are certainly interesting to know for both Catholics and the world public.
Below are a number of facts about Pope Leo XIV that you can read.
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Facts About Pope Leo XIV, the Newly Elected First Pope from the United States
Here are 10 interesting facts about Pope Leo XIV of the United States who was just announced by the Vatican as the new Pope.
Facts about Pope Leo XIV, the Newly Elected First Pope from the United States (Vaticannews.va)
- The First Pope from the United States
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was the first pope in the history of the Catholic Church to come from the United States. He brought to the Vatican not only an American accent but also a pastoral spirit that was very much of the new world.
- Have Dual Citizenship
Pope Leo XIV was a dual citizen of the United States and Peru. He spent more than two decades as a missionary and bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, before being called to the Vatican by Pope Francis in January 2023.
- Education and Ability to Master Five Languages
Born on September 14, 1955, Pope Leo XIV earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University and a doctorate in theology from Saint Thomas Aquinas University in Rome.
He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and can read Latin and German.
- The First Pope of the Augustinian Order
Pope Leo XIV was a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), making him the first pope from that order. His choice signified a return to spiritual reflection and down-to-earth service, in keeping with the spirit of Saint Augustine.
- Pope Francis’ Right Hand
Before being elected Pope, Prevost served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. In this role, he assisted Pope Francis in electing many bishops in Latin-rite dioceses around the world.
“Pope Francis specifically did not want someone from the Roman Curia to take on this role. He wanted a missionary, someone from the outside, someone with a different perspective,” Pope Leo XIV said while speaking at St. Jude Parish, Chicago, in August 2023.
- Reasons for Choosing the Name Leo XIV
Robert chose the name “Leo” as a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, who is known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891) on labor rights and social justice. Therefore, it is not surprising that Leo XIV is said to continue Pope Francis’ pro-people agenda.
Facts About Pope Leo XIV, the Newly Elected First Pope from the United States (Vatican News)
- Gun Violence Critic and Refugee Supporter
Before becoming pope, Prevost was a vocal critic of gun violence in the U.S. and a voice of support for refugees. This vision is expected to shape the global pastoral direction of the Catholic Church under his leadership.
- Encourage the Role of Women in the Church
In March 2024, Prevost praised Pope Francis’ decision to appoint three women as full members of the dicastery he leads.
“It contributes greatly to the discernment process in seeking the best candidate for episcopal ministry,” he said in an interview with Catholic News Service.
- Known for Having a Cool “Low Profile”
Although Pope Leo XIV currently leads 1.3 billion Catholics, his lifestyle remains simple and down-to-earth. He was known to walk unescorted while still in office in Peru, and had a habit of drinking coffee with parishioners after morning mass.
- His Approach Is Called “Unconditional Love”
Many parishioners describe his pastoral style as “the Church’s warm embrace of all people,” including those who had felt marginalized: immigrants, the poor, or non-practicing Catholics.
That is information about 10 facts about Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States who was recently elected.