• Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost selected as new Pope
  • Prevost is the first American in history to be elected Pope
  • Prevost has taken the name Leo XIV
Credit: Imago Credit: Imago

Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV yesterday, making history as the first American in history to hold the position as the head of the Catholic Church.

The news of the Chicago native assuming the position in The Vatican was met with some pretty wild reactions on social media, naturally.

But what do we know about Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost? Other than he is a fan of the Chicago White Sox (and NOT the Cubs, apparently, as was first reported) and Chicago Bears. We do not know if he likes his Italian beef hot or sweet or whether he likes his hot dogs dragged through the garden.

What we do know about Robert Francis Prevost aka Pope Leo XIV, however, is a little bit about his background, his pre-Pope days and the stances he is likely to take now he has ascended to the Papacy.

Where Has Robert Francis Prevost Served?

Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal served as an altar boy in his home city of Chicago and was ordained in 1982. Three years later he moved to Peru to carry out missionary work. Prevost did return home regularly, however, to serve as a pastor in Chicago.

In January 2023 Prevost became an archbishop and soon after was made a Cardinal by Pope Francis. He had already been made bishop of Chiclayo in Peru by Francis in 2014.

Through his work in Peru, his holiness has attained Peruvian nationality, having worked extensively as a local parish pastor and as a teacher at a seminary in Trujillo in the north west of the South American country. Prevost is fondly regarded in Peru for his work with marginalised communities.

How Old Is The New Pope?

The new Pope was born in Chicago in 1955. His parents are of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, while his maternal grandparents were married in New Orleans in 1887, living in the 7th Ward in the Louisiana city until they moved to Chicago in 1910. Census data has shown that Trevost’s grandparents were listed as people of colour (Creole) while living in New Orleans.

What Are The Beliefs of Robert Francis Prevost?

As with any new Pope, much scrutiny is placed upon their belief system in terms of how they view many contentious subjects within the Catholic Church. As has been reported across social media, Pope Leo XIV has previously shared articles and posts that have been critical of US President Donald Trump as well as Vice President JD Vance.

Prevost is seen as being a Pope who will embrace marginalised groups, much like he did during his time working as a missionary in Peru. He is believed to be a centrist who is progressive on some key social issues.

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