10 Things You Should Know About Pope Robert Prevost

• This is everything you need to know about the new Pope.
• Robert Prevost was announced as Pope Leo XIV.
• Here are ten facts about him.

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church elected Robert Francis Prevost Martínez as the new pontiff following the death of Pope Francis.

The cardinal, born in Chicago, Illinois, becomes the 267th Pope and has chosen the name Leo XIV.

He is the first Pope from the Order of Saint Augustine.

And the second American to lead the Church.

Here are 10 things you should know about Pope Robert Prevost:

1. Robert Prevost is the second American Pope

Robert Prevost Becomes The First American Pope. pic.twitter.com/l1nhw9cczs

– Base pop (@popbase) May 8, 2025

Robert Prevost is the second pontiff born in the United States.

This comes after the fictional papacy of “Pope Theophilus I” in novels.

But in reality, he is the first Pope actually born in the U.S.

It’s also worth noting he is the second pontiff from the Americas, after Pope Francis.

2. He was born in Chicago and has Spanish roots

The first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, is Robert Prevost from Chicago, and he gets emotional on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
He is 69 years old and is viewed as a centrist, but is progressive on some key social issues.
Like Pope Francis who championed… pic.twitter.com/sqxqik0vdo
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) May 8, 2025

Robert Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago.

Specifically in Illinois.

His mother is of Spanish origin.

Which gives him a strong bond with the global Hispanic community.

3. He is the first Augustinian pope

 

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A shared publication by Fabrizio Romano (@Fabriziorom)

He belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.).

Making him the first pontiff in history to come from this religious order.

Something that has been widely discussed during his announcement.

Especially on social media.

4. He was a bishop in Peru

“We are going to be true messengers of hope so that we feel in our hearts and experience in reality that we are all united as the people of God.”
– Robert Prevost – Pope Leo XIV (2020, Peru) pic.twitter.com/opkfo5qqf2
— Bianca (@casiDmente) May 8, 2025

Robert Prevost served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2020.

Gaining the respect of Latin American communities.

Because of his pastoral closeness.

And also for his defense of human rights.

5. He led the Dicastery for Bishops

Robert Francis #Prevost, is the first #Augustinian pope, he is nearly 70 years old. He chose the name Leo XIV. Already Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he was elected at 6:07 PM. He is the 267th Pope in history. https://t.co/O54YTNR82L pic.twitter.com/syqp7AWCGC
— Vatican News (@vaticannews_es) May 8, 2025

Since January 2023, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

A key role in appointing bishops around the world.

He was also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

According to CNN.

6. He speaks fluent Spanish

#NOW #Vatican
Leo XIV: “If I may, a greeting to everyone and particularly to my beloved diocese in Peru.”
Robert Francis #Prevost, 69 years old and American. Born in Chicago to parents of French and Spanish descent, and he spent 40 years in #Peru, where he was… pic.twitter.com/xnyybSoyy3
— RTS Medios (@RTSmedios) May 8, 2025

Thanks to his formation and years of work in Latin America, Robert Prevost speaks fluent Spanish.

Which strengthens his connection with more than 400 million Spanish-speaking Catholics.

In his first words as pontiff, he delivered a message in Spanish for Peru and for Chicago.

Something that drew a lot of attention.

7. The new pope chose the name Leo XIV

Habemus Papam 🇻🇦🇺🇸
Robert Prevost (Leo XIV), chosen by God and by Francis ✝️
The Vatican is in good hands ⛪ pic.twitter.com/ytmg6edw6c
— Franco 🇦🇷🦅 (@Franco_Prol) May 8, 2025

He chose a name that recalls historical popes.

Those with firm and reformist character.

Such as Leo XIII.

A pope who addressed key social issues.

8. He is 69 years old

Habemus Papam:
Robert Francis Prevost; he is American 🇺🇸 and will be called Leo XIV
He is 69 years old ✨️ pic.twitter.com/ekyakjzajh
— Lupita Murillo (@JefaEspartana) May 8, 2025

Robert Prevost’s age makes him a relatively young pope.

Especially by recent standards.

Which suggests a pontificate with time to consolidate his vision.

According to Infobae.

9. Robert Prevost is a proponent of intercultural dialogue

Habemus Papam
“A Church always open to receiving everyone.” “We want to be a Church that always seeks peace, charity, and to be close to those who suffer.”
“A Church that builds bridges of dialogue.”
Words from the new Pope Robert Prevost, now Leo XIV… pic.twitter.com/wyfbyxqsx2
— Carolina Giraldo Botero 🏛️🇨🇴 (@CaroGiraBo) May 8, 2025

Robert Prevost has advocated for an open, synodal, and more inclusive Church.

Following in the footsteps of Pope Francis.

But with an organizational and Augustinian focus.

Something well-received by the community.

10. His election marks both continuity and change

Pope Leo XIV represents continuity with the pastoral legacy of Francis.

He also represents a shift toward a new North American and multicultural stage.

In the leadership of the Church.

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