Who is Leo XIV? Media uncover fascinating facts about new Pope

Ten interesting facts about new Pope

1. He is the first Pope in history from the United States of America.

2. He was called "the least American" among American cardinals.

This metaphorical label was given because, although born in Chicago (Illinois, USA), Prevost spent most of his life in Peru. In particular, he led an Augustinian seminary in the city of Trujillo for ten years.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo. From 2020 to 2021, Prevost served as Apostolic Administrator of Callao. And from 2018 to 2023, he held the positions of Vice President and member of the Permanent Council of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference.

3. The new pontiff is expected to continue the reforms of his predecessor, the late Francis.

Prevost shares Francis's vision on environmental issues, serving the poor and migrants. He also supports the idea of allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion.

4. Pope Francis saw him as a leader.

According to CNN's Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb, the late Pope Francis had great respect for Prevost. He noted in particular, "clearly Pope Francis saw in him something - he saw him as a capable leader."

5. He is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine.

The new Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian religious order and served as the Order's Prior General for more than ten years.

Even in his first speech, the pontiff emphasized that he is a son of Saint Augustine and quoted the saint's famous phrase: "For you, I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian." This reflects the idea that everyone in the Church's hierarchy - from leaders to ordinary members - walks side by side.

6. An experienced leader appointed by Pope Francis to key positions.

Since 2023, Prevost has held one of the most influential positions in the Vatican. He was the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops - the body responsible for selecting and managing bishops worldwide.

On September 30, 2023, Francis elevated Prevost to the rank of cardinal. During the first months, he maintained a low profile with the media, but was valued for his ability to listen and effectively resolve issues.

Also in 2023, Prevost became President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

7. An American with Peruvian citizenship.

The 69-year-old cardinal holds dual citizenship of the United States and Peru. As a member of the Augustinian order, the pontiff worked as a missionary in Peru for more than 15 years, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo. He later obtained citizenship of the country.

8. The name Leo has symbolic meaning.

This name carries deep symbolic meaning and is connected with Church history. It also refers to such notable Popes as Leo the Great, who strengthened the Church, and Leo XIII, who actively worked on the Church's social doctrine during a time of revolutionary change.

9. Holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

Robert Francis Prevost holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University, as well as a Master of Theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

10. A tennis fan.

"I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player. Since leaving Peru, I have had few occasions to practice, so I am looking forward to getting back on the court," Prevost said in an interview.

In addition, in his free time, the pontiff enjoys reading, walking, and traveling.

The American magazine TIME also published a new cover dedicated to the new Pope.

Death of Pope Francis and election of new pontiff

Pope Francis died on April 21 from a stroke. The farewell ceremony took place on April 26 in the Vatican - about 400,000 people gathered for the event. He was buried in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

According to the Church canon, after the death of a pontiff, a conclave is convened - a closed gathering of cardinals that elects a new Pope. It began on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel. By the evening of May 8, white smoke rose above the chapel. This signified that the conclave had reached agreement on Francis’s successor. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen.

Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, USA. He is an American-Peruvian curial cardinal and an Augustinian. He served as Prior General of the Augustinian Order from September 14, 2001, to September 4, 2013. In 2023, Francis made him a cardinal.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already congratulated the new Pope. He wished him wisdom, inspiration, and spiritual and physical strength in fulfilling his high mission.

You can learn more about the new Pope in our material on the topic.