After the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic conclave has elected a new leader, Robert Francis Prevost will be the 267th head of the Vatican church.
On May 8, 2025, during the second day of the papal conclave, Prevost was elected pope, making history as the first North American to hold the position. He chose the papal name Leo XIV.
Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, is an American Catholic prelate who assumed the role of head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State on May 8, 2025.
Before this, he served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, positions he has held since 2023.
Robert Francis Prevost Biography
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost began his early ministry serving with the Augustinians in his hometown. He later spent significant time in Peru, working from 1985 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1998, where he took on various roles including parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary instructor, and administrator.
He was born to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martinez. His father, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and former school administrator, had French and Italian roots, while his mother came from a Spanish background.
Robert Francis Prevost’s education
He finished his high school education at the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine. Pursuing higher education, Prevost obtained a degree in mathematics from Villanova University.
Feeling called to the priesthood, he entered the Order of St. Augustine and made his initial profession of vows the following year, eventually committing fully to his solemn vows. He later earned a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, further preparing for his vocation.
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Robert Francis Prevost’s Career
On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis named Prevost as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, granting him the honorary title of archbishop-bishop emeritus of Chiclayo. Later, during the consistory held on September 30, Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal-deacon, assigning him to the Chapel of Saint Monica of the Augustinians in Rome.
Watch the video of his election below:
Netizens react to Robert Francis Prevost being elected
@MylaAdebimpe:
“Even black Africans self will not wish their fellow black to be pope. People who used the White man image for Jesus and use black man image for devil. They are already conquered mentally.”
@Am_Tuor:
“Na black people dey force themself on top wetin no concern dem. Ogun kpai Jesus abi na jehova.”
@darius4_d:
“Congratulations. Those who thought a black person would be chosen should wake up.”
@Ihunanya_chi:
“I pray that the new Pope is guided by the Holy Spirit and remains fully devoted to Godโs Word alone. May God Himself lead and direct his every step. Amen.”
@Plutoguy__:
“If you want to know why selecting a pope as to do with lots of political influence go and watch The Godfather part 3, particularly, you will understand a lot.”
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