U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes First American Pope

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent much of his career ministering in Peru and currently heads the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, has been elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Though largely viewed as a centrist, Prevost leans progressive on some social issues. I Photo: Vatican News

Prevost, 69, chose the papal name Leo XIV, Nicole Winfield reported for the Associated Press. Originally from Chicago, Prevost has held one of the most influential roles in the Roman Curia, overseeing the global selection of bishops.

While his American nationality may have raised concerns among some cardinal electors, Prevost also holds Peruvian citizenship, reflecting his deep pastoral roots in Latin America.

CBS News correspondent Chris Livesay noted that he is also the first Augustinian pope.

Though largely viewed as a centrist, Prevost leans progressive on some social issues, sharing similarities with his predecessor, Pope Francis, in championing marginalized communities, migrants, and the poor.

However, like Francis, he upholds traditional Church doctrine on key points—such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons—a position that underscores his conservatism on matters of Catholic teaching, Andrew Romano reported for Yahoo News.