Robert Francis Prevost – who chose the papal name Leo XIV – was born in 1955 in Chicago. His American origin spoke against him before the conclave since there has been a taboo against a pope from the USA due to the country's geopolitical influence.
What, however, spoke in his favor is that he is equally regarded as a Latin cardinal due to the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru, before he was appointed archbishop there by Pope Francis.
Leadership role in Francis' reform
There, he is remembered as a bridge-builder and also holds Peruvian citizenship. He also has on his CV that he is the highest leader of the Augustinian Order.
Prevost's predecessor Francis, from Argentina, is said to have had a good eye for him and took Prevost to Rome in 2023 to take office as chairman of the papal commission for Latin America. Moreover, Prevost had a leadership role in Francis' most revolutionary reforms – when he added three women to the group that decides which bishop nominations are sent to the pope.
Highest cardinal rank
He became a cardinal in 2023, and earlier this year, Francis again showed his appreciation by appointing him to the highest cardinal rank – which suggests that he would at least have been Francis' choice in a conclave, according to AP..
We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us, said Leo XIV when he spoke for the first time on Thursday.
That someone like Prevost – who is believed to have shared Francis' view on migrants, the poor, and the environment – was elected is, however, not so surprising, since 80% of the cardinals who participated in the conclave were appointed by Francis.
Leo XIV becomes the 267th pope in a row.
