The first American pope...and here's a little of what’s known about him

Cardinal Robert Prevost, born 1955 in Chicago, is a key figure in the Catholic Church. Ordained in 1982, he holds a doctorate in canon law and served extensively in Peru, gaining dual citizenship. As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops since 2023, he oversees global bishop selections and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis. Elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, he’s the first American pope. His international experience and centrist views align with Francis’s vision, but controversies over handling sexual abuse cases in Chicago and Peru, plus conservative stances on L.G.B.T.Q. issues, spark debate. His fluency in Spanish and Italian and commitment to the poor strengthen his global appeal