Leo XIV is the latest Pope and Bishop of Rome. Born Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first American to lead the Catholic Church as pontiff. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Illinois in 1955, he became the 267th Pope and Bishop of Rome.
Prior to his election, Cardinal Prevost served as the head of the church’s Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful position that oversees the selection of new bishops throughout the Catholic world. While generally considered a centrist, Pope Leo XIV has demonstrated progressive tendencies on many social issues, embracing marginalized groups in a manner reminiscent of his predecessor Pope Francis, who championed migrants and the poor.
His first words as Pope was:
“We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us,” he said.
“United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,”.
How Old was Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV is currently 69 years old.
What Languages Can Pope Leo XIV Speak?
Pope Leo XIV can speak 5 languages fluently. They are Spanish, Italian, French, English and Portuguese. He can also read German and Latin. His mother tongue is English.
Background
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Robert Prevost’s spiritual journey began early. As a young boy in the diverse neighborhoods of the Windy City, he first discovered his calling while serving as an altar boy at his local parish.
His dedication to faith bloomed into formal study at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, followed by theological immersion in Rome, culminating in his ordination as a priest in 1982. Although Peru became his spiritual home three years later, where he worked tirelessly as a missionary, Prevost maintained deep ties to his American roots, returning regularly to serve as both pastor and prior in the city that shaped him.
This unique dual heritage would ultimately prepare him for his historic role as the bridge between two continents in the Catholic Church.
Facts About Pope Leo XIV
#1 – Pope Leo XIV is the very first American Pope.
#2 – He was born in Chicago, USA in 1955
#3 – He is the first pope in over 800 years to come from an English-speaking country. The last Pope to do so was Adrian IV
#4 – He was made a cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.
#5 – He is the seventh Augustinian pope, and the first since Eugene IV in 1447
All Popes Named “Leo”
Leo I (St.) (#45) (the Great) (440 – 461)
Leo II (St.) (#80) (682 – 683)
Leo III (St.) (#97) (795 – 816)
Leo IV (St.) (#104) (847 – 855)
Leo V (#119) (903 – 904)
Leo VI (#124) (928)
Leo VII (#127) (936 – 939)
Leo VIII (#132) (963 – 964)
Leo IX (St.) (#153) (1049 – 1054)
Leo X (#218) (1513 – 1521)
Leo XI (#233) (1605)
Leo XII (#253) (1823 – 1829)
Leo XIII (#257) (1878 – 1903)
Leo XIV (#267) (2025 – )