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The Catholic Church elected its new pope on May 8, 2025, to succeed the late Pope Francis. Former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is now known as Pope Leo XIV, and the Chicago native has already made history in his papacy. Upon speaking to the world that day, Leo emphasized peace to all and paid tribute to his predecessor.
“We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open, like this very piazza, welcoming,” he said, according to ABC News. “Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the entire world that morning of Easter. Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.”
While addressing the St. Peter’s Square crowd as brothers and sisters of Rome and “of all the world,” Robert added that he and the Church “want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering,” according to a translation from the Vatican.
This is the first greetings of the resurrected Christ, the good shepherd who has given up his life for God,” he said, explaining the choice of his greeting. “And I should also like this greeting of peace to enter our hearts and our families
As everyone becomes acquainted with Pope Leo, Hollywood Life has rounded five facts about the newly elected pontiff below.
Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful for the first time as the 267th Pope. pic.twitter.com/tsA1a0XSOM
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
Robert Francis Prevost Is the First American-Born Pope
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, Robert is the first American to serve in the papacy. Though his first language was likely English, Pope Leo can speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese.
Pope Leo’s Age in 2025
The pontiff is 69 years old as of May 2025.
Robert Francis Prevost Studied Math at Villanova University
In 1977, Robert graduated from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. That year, he decided to dedicate his life to priesthood, and he joined the Order of St. Augustine.
Pope Leo Is Also a Peruvian Citizen
Pope Leo holds nationality in both the U.S. and in Peru, having served in the latter as a pastor, diocesan official and seminary teacher in the 1980s. From 2015 to 2023, he worked as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. He then became a cardinal.
Robert Prevost’s Father Was a Navy Veteran
The new pope is the son of late U.S. Navy veteran Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez. Robert also has two brothers, according to multiple outlets.
