Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope on May 8, 2025 (local time), taking the name Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV is the Church’s first Augustinian Pope, and the first born in North America.

The future Pope was born and raised in Chicago in the United States in 1955. At 27, he was sent to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). Later, he served a mission in Peru, and became the Bishop of Chiclayo.

In 2023, then-Pope Francis called him to Rome to serve as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Later appointed by Francis as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he became a Cardinal in 2024.

When Pope Francis was hospitalised in early 2025, the future Pope Leo XIV presided over the Rosary for Pope Francis’s health in Saint Peter’s Square.

A Pope of peace

Pope Leo XIV calls us to pray for peace in a world in the midst of storms. The new Pope’s first words when addressing the world from the Central Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica not long after his election were “Peace be with you!”

He also said:

“God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.”

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  • Pope: In Nicaea a message of unity for Christians, in Lebanon for peace
    on November 25, 2025 at 9:13 pm

    At Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV answers journalists’ questions outside Villa Barberini. He describes his upcoming apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon as a trip marked by hope and peace. On Ukraine and the Middle East, he urges always seeking dialogue to end war. Regarding efforts to stop violence against women on the day dedicated to the issue, he says that mentalities must change beginning with the education of young people. Read all  

  • Voice of peace and hope: Pope Leo’s visit to Türkiye and Lebanon
    on November 25, 2025 at 4:50 pm

    The director of the Holy See Press Office presents Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey that takes him to Türkiye and Lebanon, emphasising ecumenical commemoration, interreligious dialogue, and support for local Christian communities. The visit includes historic and symbolic encounters, meetings with civil and religious leaders, and gestures of solidarity amid regional challenges. Read all  

  • UN: 50,000 women killed in one year
    on November 25, 2025 at 4:34 pm

    On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, new UN figures highlight the scale of gender-based violence. As online abuse is on the rise, Sister Abby Avelino of Talitha Kum shines the light on the plight of millions of trafficked women and girls. Read all  

  • Gaza shortages still blight daily life
    on November 25, 2025 at 1:01 pm

    Food is slowly returning to the shelves in Gaza but the situation is still difficult and supplies remain in shortage. I Read all  

  • Rwandan youth encouraged to emulate ‘digital Apostle,’ Carlo Acutis
    on November 25, 2025 at 12:15 pm

    Rwanda’s Bishop Vincent Harolimana, of the Diocese of Ruhengeri, has told young people that Saint Carlo Acutis is a model saint who can help them navigate today’s digital world. Read all