About our Pope Leo XIV news
Latest news on Pope Leo XIV, covering the first American pontiff, Cardinal Robert Prevost, his background, views, and leadership of the Catholic Church.
On 8 May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pontiff from the United States and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. Born in Chicago in 1955, the 69-year-old dual US-Peruvian citizen brings extensive experience from his roles as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis.
Leo XIV's election marks several historic firsts: he is the first pope from North America, the first Augustinian pope, the first with dual citizenship, and the first from an English-speaking country since Adrian IV in the 12th century. With Creole ancestry through his maternal grandparents, including a Haiti-born grandfather, he brings a diverse heritage to the papacy.
On key issues, the new pontiff has taken moderate positions that suggest both continuity and potential change. He has advocated for environmental protection, expressed support for Venezuelan refugees, and criticised political extremism. While maintaining traditional Catholic positions on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, he has emphasised dialogue and contextual application of Church teachings.
Our NewsNow feed on Pope Leo XIV provides comprehensive coverage of his papacy, background, and the global reactions to his historic election. Stay informed about his upcoming statements, travels, and leadership decisions as he guides the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. This constantly updated feed ensures you receive the latest developments and analysis from reliable sources about this significant new chapter in Catholic Church history.