Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, has a unique and extensive background. His deep connection to Peru began with missionary work in the country, spanning periods from 1985 to 1986 and 1988 to 1998, where he served in various roles, including parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and administrator. This extended service contributed to him obtaining Peruvian citizenship, making him a dual citizen of the United States and Peru. His path to the papacy involved a series of significant ecclesiastical appointments. He was ordained a priest in 1982, and his career progressed through roles such as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023. Pope Francis elevated him to the cardinalate in 2023. Then in the 2025 conclave, on May 8, 2025, he was elected Pope, thus becoming Pope Leo XIV.