Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
Cheers erupted across St. Peter’s Square—and around the world—when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:09 p.m. Rome time on May 8, 2025. For nearly an hour, the world watched and waited to learn who would become the 267th Holy Father. At last, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped out onto the loggia and declared: “Habemus Papam!” A hush fell over the crowd as he announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had been elected and had taken the name Leo XIV.
So, who is our new Holy Father—and what can we expect from Pope Leo XIV? Here are 5 facts you should know!
1. Pope Leo XIV has dual citizenship
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955 in the south Chicago suburb of Dolton, Illinois, grew up in a devout Catholic family. His father served as a Catholic school superintendent, and his mother was a librarian. The youngest of three brothers, Prevost felt the call to religious life early. The family home was always filled with local priests, gathered around the dinner table. After his ordination in 1982, he joined the Augustinian mission in Peru, where he served for many years and eventually obtained Peruvian citizenship.
2. He belongs to the Order of St. Augustine
The Order of St. Augustine, founded in 1244 under Pope Innocent IV, follows the teachings and rule of St. Augustine of Hippo. Prevost joined the order in 1977 and served as its Prior General from 2001 to 2013. His leadership emphasized evangelization, especially in Latin America. With his election as Pope Leo XIV, he became the first member of the Augustinian order ever to be chosen as pope.
3. He’s a Tennis & Baseball Fan
In an interview with the Augustinians, he said, “I consider myself quite an amateur tennis player. Since leaving Peru, I have had few occasions to practice, so I am looking forward to getting back on the court.”
Growing up near Chicago, Prevost became — and remains — a loyal Chicago White Sox fan, a passion that reminds many of Pope John Paul II’s love for skiing: a reminder that popes are human too.
4. He has held Senior Roles in the Vatican
Before his election, Pope Leo XIV held key leadership positions within the Vatican. In January 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — the Vatican office responsible for overseeing the appointment of bishops around the world. In April 2023, he was appointed as the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, These roles placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership decisions.
5. Elected on the Anniversary of the Apparition of St. Michael
Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8 — the anniversary of the apparition of St. Michael the Archangel on Monte Gargano in the 5th century. This event cemented St. Michael’s role as a heavenly protector of the Church.
The date draws symbolic connections to Pope Leo XIII, who famously composed the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel in 1886 after a mystical experience warning of future spiritual trials. Many Catholics now look to Pope Leo XIV’s election on this feast as a sign of renewed spiritual protection and strength for the Church.
A Pontificate Shaped by Mission and Heritage
Pope Leo XIV brings with him a rich blend of American roots, missionary zeal, and deep theological formation. His unique background — as a Chicago native, a Peruvian citizen, and the first Augustinian pope — promises a pontificate rooted in tradition and energized by global experience.