American Robert Prevost chosen as new Pope by conclave
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, has been elected as the new pope and will take the name Pope Leo XIV—marking the first time in the history of the Roman Catholic Church that an American has ascended to the papacy.
“I’m rooting for Pizzaballa because I just like him instinctively, even though my all-time favorite is Matteo Zuppi,” says 65-year-old Patrizia Giudice, a retired public administration official.
This isn’t her first papal election: “From John Paul to Francis, this is my third conclave. I only missed the one when Benedict was elected because my daughter was little, and I still haven’t forgiven myself for that.”
She adds, “I just hope he won’t be a conservative—there’s really no sense in taking steps backward in 2025. If the new pope turns out to be the Hungarian cardinal, I’m leaving the square—I won’t even wait for him to speak.”
Pope Robert – Biography
Full Name: Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. Papal Name: Pope Robert Date of Birth: September 14, 1955 Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States Religious Order: Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) Nationality: American Date of Election to Papacy: [Insert fictional or future date if needed]
Early Life and Religious Formation
Pope Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a Catholic family with French and Spanish roots. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and made his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982.
He earned a licentiate and doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, preparing him for leadership and legal roles within the Church.
After ordination, Fr. Robert served as a missionary in Trujillo, Peru, where he was involved in pastoral ministry, formation of clergy, and social outreach. His deep commitment to the people of Peru shaped his inclusive and pastoral style of leadership.
He was elected Prior Provincial of the Augustinians in Peru, and later became Prior General of the global Augustinian Order, serving from 2001 to 2013. This global role allowed him to guide Augustinian communities on five continents.
Episcopal and Vatican Leadership
Appointed by Pope Francis, he became Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014, and then Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015. His leadership was marked by humility, justice advocacy, and ecclesial reform.
In 2020, he was named a member of the Congregation for Bishops, and in January 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, placing him at the heart of selecting bishops around the world.
Elevation and Papacy
He was made a Cardinal on September 30, 2023, and assigned the titular church of Santa Monica in Rome.
Following the resignation or passing of his predecessor, the College of Cardinals elected him as the Supreme Pontiff, taking the name Pope Robert. As pope, he is the first Augustinian in modern history to ascend to the papacy, and the first American-born pope.
Vision and Legacy
Pope Robert is widely respected for his pastoral approach, emphasis on missionary discipleship, and commitment to transparency and reform within the Church. His background in canon law, missionary service, and international religious leadership shapes his papacy as one deeply rooted in humility, dialogue, and service.
