emirates7 - Before his name was even announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, crowds gathered below chanting "Viva il Papa," meaning "Long live the Pope."
Robert Francis Prevost, 69, is now the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. He makes history as the first American to assume the papacy, although his deep ties to Latin America, due to his extensive missionary work in Peru, have led many to consider him as much a cardinal from that region.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents with Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, Leo was an altar boy in his youth and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Three years later, he moved to Peru but often returned to the US to serve as a priest and prior in his hometown.
Holding Peruvian nationality, Leo is fondly remembered for his work with marginalized communities and his efforts to foster unity. He spent a decade as a parish pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo, a city in north-western Peru.
In his inaugural address as Pope, Leo expressed warm appreciation for his predecessor, Pope Francis, stating, "We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us." He urged the crowds to move forward united, hand-in-hand with God.
Leo also reflected on his role within the Augustinian Order. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. Known for his significant influence, he became a well-known figure among the cardinals, especially for his role as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, a key position responsible for selecting and overseeing bishops. Leo was made archbishop in January 2023, and just months later, Francis elevated him to cardinal.
Robert Francis Prevost, 69, is now the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. He makes history as the first American to assume the papacy, although his deep ties to Latin America, due to his extensive missionary work in Peru, have led many to consider him as much a cardinal from that region.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents with Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, Leo was an altar boy in his youth and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Three years later, he moved to Peru but often returned to the US to serve as a priest and prior in his hometown.
Holding Peruvian nationality, Leo is fondly remembered for his work with marginalized communities and his efforts to foster unity. He spent a decade as a parish pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo, a city in north-western Peru.
In his inaugural address as Pope, Leo expressed warm appreciation for his predecessor, Pope Francis, stating, "We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us." He urged the crowds to move forward united, hand-in-hand with God.
Leo also reflected on his role within the Augustinian Order. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. Known for his significant influence, he became a well-known figure among the cardinals, especially for his role as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, a key position responsible for selecting and overseeing bishops. Leo was made archbishop in January 2023, and just months later, Francis elevated him to cardinal.