On May 8, 2025, as a result of the conclave, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in the United States and holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, was elected pope.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope in history to be born in the United States, and his official title will be Pope Leo XIV.

The media had already listed Cardinal Prevost as a candidate for the title of 'first pope from the United States', noting him as a figure to watch in terms of continuity in the reform direction of the papacy. His emphasis on the poor, immigrants, and marginalized communities has led to him being regarded as a suitable successor to the legacy of Francis.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a very important role that involves reviewing and recommending new bishop candidates worldwide, providing opportunities to form deep networks with bishops' conferences in various countries. In fact, many cardinals have established connections through him, and he has been recognized for his practical experience and administrative skills within the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV joined the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in 1977 and made his vows on August 29, 1981. After studying theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, he received a doctorate in canon law from the Angelicum (Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas) in Rome.

Biography of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

Priestly Ordination and Mission in Peru
Ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, he began pastoral work in the Chulucanas mission in northwestern Peru in 1985. He later became a department head, formation director, and canon law educator, establishing roots in the local community, and in 1999 was elected as the provincial president of the Augustinians in the central United States.

General Prior and Bishop of Peru
From 2001 to 2013, he served two terms as the General Prior of the worldwide Augustinian Order, demonstrating international leadership. In 2014, he was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru by Pope Francis, and the following year he was ordained as a bishop, leading the Chiclayo Diocese from November 26, 2015.

Positions in the Roman Curia and Cardinal Appointment
In 2020, he was additionally appointed as the Administrator of the Diocese of Callao in Peru, and on January 30, 2023, he was appointed as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and chairman of the Vatican Commission for Latin America. On September 30 of the same year, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal by the pope and received the Santa Monica Province of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception as a liturgical province.

Dual Citizenship and Language Skills
Holding citizenship in both the United States and Peru, he serves as a bridge between the churches of both countries based on his experience in evangelization and church administration. He speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and can read Latin and German literature.