Discover 10 Fascinating Facts About Pope Leo XIV (International Edition)

In an unprecedented twist, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen as the 267th pope, marking the first time a U.S. leader will hold this position.
Prevost's experience as a missionary in Peru along with his strong connections to Pope Francis played a role in being chosen by the College of Cardinals.
The article shares intriguing details about the 267th Pope, who currently guides the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as well as being the leader of the Vatican.

.ng Journalist Esther Odili boasts more than two years of expertise in reporting on political parties and movements.

Vatican City, Rome On May 8th, Thursday, Robert Francis Prevost made history as he was chosen as the inaugural pope hailing from the United States. He adopted the pontifical title Pope Leo XIV following his election by cardinals worldwide to lead more than 1.4 billion Roman Catholic adherents globally.

.ng It has been reported that Prevost was characterized as a moderate with strong ties to the late Pope Francis. He reportedly dedicated his missionary service to Peru during those years.

The 133 cardinal electors convened within the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and selected Prevost as the new leader of the Catholic Church just two days following extensive ballots, when white smoke appeared over the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.

Key points regarding the recently chosen Pope Leo XIV

Below is a concise profile of Prevost prior to the conclave:

Even though the Vatican has traditionally been against electing an American pope due to the nation’s powerful standing and significant secular worldwide impact, the centrist, Illinois-native Prevost remains a figure to keep an eye on.

Pope Leo XIV (aged 69)

Cardinal Robert Francis Previn was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

He is a globally experienced leader who dedicated a significant part of his career to serving as a missionary in South America and went on to become a bishop in Peru.

First American Pope

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is the inaugural pope hailing from the United States, and he will be referred to as Pope Leo XIV.

Took serious vows in 1981

As stated by the Vatican, he joined the novitiate of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) in 1977 and took his final vows in 1981.

Secured a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics

Prevost earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, followed by a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also obtained both a licentiate and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

His dissertation focused on "The Significance of Local Tradition within the Augustinian Order."

Consecrated as a priest in 1982, he became chancellor in 1985.

In 1982, he became a priest. Following his ordination, Prevost became part of the Augustinian mission in Peru in 1985 and held the position of chancellor for the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas from 1985 through 1986.

Director of missions

During his time from 1987 to 1988, he resided in the United States serving as a vocation pastor and mission director for the Augustinian Province of Chicago. After this period, he returned to Peru, dedicating nearly a decade to leading the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo and instructing canon law at the local diocesan seminary, concurrently holding the position of prefect of studies. Additionally, he undertook various roles such as parish priest, diocesan administrator, formation supervisor, seminary educator, and judicial vicar during his tenure there.

Appointed as the regional leader of the "Mother of Good Counsel"

In 1999, he went back to Chicago and was chosen as the provincial prior for the "Mother of Good Counsel" region within the archdiocese. After two and a half years, he took on the role of prior general for the Augustinians and held this position for two terms up until 2013.

Leader of the Diocese of Chiclayo

In 2014, Prevost went back to Peru after being named apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo by Pope Francis. He became the Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015. During his time there, he held roles as vice-president and as a member of the permanent council for the Peruvian Bishops' Conference from 2018 until 2023.

Named as apostolic administrator of Callao

In 2020 and 2021, Prevost served as the apostolic administrator of Callao, Peru.

Appointed Prevost prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops

The late Pope Francis appointed Prevost prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023, a powerful position responsible for selecting bishops, a position he held until Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis elevated Prevost to the rank of Cardinal.

Trump reacts to emergence of new pope

Earlier, .ng reported that Donald Trump, the president of the United States, has reacted to the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.

In response, the U.S. President expressed surprise that Prevost would be the American to secure the esteemed position.

Trump said he was excited about the development and described it as a great honour for the country.

Daily News