Robert Francis Prevost elected Pope under the name Leo XIV

On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope, assuming the name Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955, he becomes the first American pontiff in the history of the Church. His election has been warmly welcomed in Latin America, where he spent much of his pastoral life.

A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982 and began his missionary work in Peru a few years later. He lived there for over three decades, becoming deeply integrated into the country’s ecclesial and social life. He obtained Peruvian citizenship and became a prominent figure within the local Catholic community. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo.

In Rome, he has held high-level responsibilities, including Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. With a pastoral approach marked by closeness, simplicity and dialogue, he is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s global and reformist vision.

In his first address as Leo XIV, he reaffirmed his commitment to social justice, welcoming migrants, including marginalized communities, and combating climate change.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul joins the joy of the entire Church and prays that the new Pope may have a fruitful pontificate in the face of the great challenges the world is currently facing.