Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a long-time missionary in Latin America, was elected as the surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, as global leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church, becoming the first US Pope in Church history and taking the name Leo XIV.
Hailing from Chicago, he is also a citizen of Peru, where he has spent much of his life and was elected on the second day of the conclave, by 133 red-robed cardinals who were sequestered in the Sistine Chapel. After his election, Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica after white smoke billowed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, and uttered his first words "Peace be with you all," to the cheering crowds , speaking in fluent Italian. He speaks English, Spanish, and Italian fluently.
Prevost, 69, who spent most of his life as a missionary in Peru became a cardinal only in 2023. After he appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica he showed "great elegance and charm". Pope Leo XIV is known to be a "gentle man" who is "very accessible".
Pope Leo, is the 267th Pope to follow St Peter and was ordained a priest in 1982 at the age of 27. He earlier served as the Superior General of the Augustinians.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is a great joy to Indians since Robert Francis Prevost, visited India twice in 2004 and 2006 as the Superior General of the Augustinians. He spent time with religious communities and faithful in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, leaving behind a legacy of humility, spiritual depth, and simplicity.
Robert Francis Prevost returned in October 2006 to participate in the Asia-Pacific Meeting of the Order of St Augustine, again residing at the Augustinian house in Mariyapuram from October 3 to 6. Those who met him described him as a man of exceptional humility, saying he was incredibly simple, down-to-earth, and always willing to adapt. He never asked for special treatment—he travelled in modest vehicles and stayed in rooms with basic amenities. His humility deeply touched all who met him in Mariyapuram.
Pope Leo XIV face a number of challenges as he steps in the shoes of his predecessor Pope Francis. As he steps into his new role, Pope Leo inherits a Church navigating complex issues:
1. Sexual abuse scandals: Pope Francis made historic progress in confronting the Church’s past failures, including convening a 2019 summit and allowing limited cooperation with civil authorities. Yet, many feel reforms fell short, particularly in terms of mandatory reporting to law enforcement. Pope Leo will be expected to take bold, transparent steps to restore trust and deliver justice.
2. Role of women: Under Francis, women gained greater visibility, including the right to vote in major synods. However, the question of ordination and broader inclusion within the hierarchy remains unresolved. Pope Leo must clarify where he stands on advancing gender equality in the Church.
3. LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Francis made headlines with his now-famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” and later permitted blessings for same-sex couples. While some welcomed these steps, others criticised them as too conservative or too radical. Pope Leo will need to navigate this sensitive terrain, balancing doctrinal consistency with pastoral compassion.
4. Shifting center to the Global South: As Catholicism declines in Europe, its center of gravity has moved to the Global South. With flourishing congregations in Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, and across Africa and Asia, the Church must expand its global representation. Francis began this process; Pope Leo is expected to continue and deepen it.
The world Pope Leo XIV now shepherds is marked by war, inequality, climate crisis, and widespread emotional and spiritual wounds. Catholics everywhere will be praying that he brings healing, unity, and meaningful reform—honouring the legacy of Pope Francis while leading the Church with his own distinctive voice of gentleness, humility, and courage.