Known as Bob, a White Sox fan from Chicago’s south side, Robert Francis Prevast has now made history as the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV.
The path to his papacy was influenced by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who elevated him to cardinal in 2023. This happened during a tumultuous political climate in the U.S., notably with Donald Trump making his political comeback, a situation fraught with immigration debates.
At that time, Pope Francis was unwell yet actively shaping the church’s future, specifically in selecting successors and defining its direction for potentially many years.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, followed the traditionalist Benedict XVI, both navigating a rapidly evolving world marked by technological change and a resurgence of conservatism.
In this complex landscape, Prevast emerged as an unexpected choice for pope.
His appointment highlights how a small yet significant entity like the Vatican can wield substantial influence on the global stage.
Pope Francis recognized Prevast’s intellect and alignment with Catholicism, even as he faced criticism for increasingly right-wing elements within the church. Prevast, who quotes St. Augustine and possesses a unique charisma, seemed well-prepared for the role.
Upon addressing the gathered crowds at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Leo XIV’s initial appeal was for unity, denouncing division and conflict. He encouraged dialogue to bring people together, stating, “God loves you, and evil will not win.”
This message serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Catholics amid ongoing cultural clashes and international disputes, raising questions about the pope’s potential impact in these matters.
Hailing from a city globally recognized—Chicago, where Barack Obama reshaped the Democratic resistance to Trump—Prevast has had a varied background. He also held Peruvian citizenship and served in Peru for two decades before becoming bishop, delivering his inaugural speech as pope in both Italian and Spanish.
“I believe he’ll add his personal touch but will likely build upon the foundation laid by Francis,” remarked Barbara Reid from the Catholic Theological Union at a news conference.
The new pope belongs to the Order of St. Augustine, borrowing from one of the church’s esteemed theologians.
Trump has reacted humorously to his pope-themed AI image and welcomed Leo’s selection as an honor. His relationship with the Catholic community, however, is complex. Catholics have historically represented a significant voting block and shifted allegiances during the 2024 elections.
According to the Pew Research Center, around 20% of U.S. adults identify as Catholic, down from 24% in 2007. Scandals, particularly involving sexual abuse, have driven some adherents away. Meanwhile, the increase in the Catholic demographic can largely be attributed to Hispanic populations, a group whose support for Trump is wavering.
The new pope, often dubbed a “bridge builder,” may face early challenges ahead.
Just weeks prior to his selection, he engaged in discussions surrounding the definition of love, indicating a willingness to tackle controversial subjects.
Overall, the new pope, while more conservative than Pope Francis, aims for continuity and can be seen as a continuation of his predecessor’s legacy. Francis called Prevast to the Vatican in 2023 to counter the complicated narratives within the Roman Curia.
In Rome, he was part of a significant body tasked with selecting new bishops, helping to etch Francis’s influence into church history. As an outsider, he has proven a reliable ally and a connection for newcomers seeking communion with the church.
He has previously spoken about the necessity of church unity, which is crucial given the current divisions between progressive and conservative factions. While Francis attempted to challenge privileges and advocate for reform, his tenure was not without division.
Critics from the orthodox camp questioned his stances on divorce and LGBTQ+ issues, while liberals felt he could have done more concerning clergy abuse. His leadership did not satisfy either end of the spectrum.
Robert Orsi, a religion professor at Northwestern University, suggested that Leo XIV’s name choice hints at his direction. The well-known progressive Pope Leo XIII sought to modernize the church while being wary of nationalistic pressures that could fracture the church.
“Pope Leo XIII was cautious about nationalism, particularly in its potential to politically divide the church,” Orsi noted. “With this background, Pope Leo XIV, who spent much of his life outside the U.S., seems poised to guide Catholics toward a more global faith.”
The new pope is not just a seasoned theologian, holding a doctorate from St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome, but also possesses a mathematics degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. This academic diversity may prove beneficial as he tackles secular matters.
In his initial address, Pope Leo XIV called for global peace—a commonplace yet vital request, signifying that the Vatican is not retreating from evaluating world leaders. He appears committed to following Francis’s steps.
However, his selection might reflect concerns among Cardinals regarding U.S. divisions and Trump’s complicated relationships abroad.
He steps into a role linked with emerging markets, and the American church’s notable fundraising abilities could amplify support for global church initiatives, including climate change—an urgent topic close to Prevast’s heart from his time as a missionary in Peru.
For now, he is seen as a humble figure from two distinct cultures, bearing the immense weight of bridging a fractured world. Given his unexpected selection, he has illustrated that “the Holy Spirit continues to surprise us,” as Catholic scholar Father Thomas Rees notes.
