Who is Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope elected on the fourth ballot of the Conclave?

Robert Francis Prevost is the new Pope. After just four rounds of voting—fewer than many expected—the American cardinal secured the majority needed to succeed Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis. He will take the papal name Leo XIV and appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the new leader of the Catholic Church, which entered this conclave deeply divided over one question: whether to continue the path of Pope Francis or steer the Church in a more conservative direction. In a surprise to many observers, the cardinals reached consensus far earlier than anticipated, concluding the conclave just 24 hours after it began.

Follow events live from the Vatican

A life of service, scholarship, and global leadership

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost has become a key figure in the Church, blending pastoral work with administrative leadership. At 69, he is known for his warmth, his calm demeanor, and a centrist approach that helped build broad support for his candidacy.

He entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and took his solemn vows in 1981. His academic credentials are formidable: a bachelor’s in mathematics from Villanova University, a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and both a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. This strong intellectual foundation has served him well in his rise through the Church.

Missionary in Peru, leader of an order

In 1985, Prevost was sent to Peru, where he began a transformative chapter of his life. Assigned to the mission in Chulucanas, in the Piura region, he served as parochial vicar of the cathedral and chancellor of the territorial prelature. His time in Peru was defined not only by evangelization but also by his role in training new priests and managing diocesan affairs.

After a brief return to the U.S. to serve as vocations and missions director for the Chicago Augustinians, Prevost returned to Peru in 1988. Over the next decade, he led the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo and taught canon law at the diocesan seminary. His deep understanding of the region and fluency in Spanish—and other languages—allowed him to form lasting connections with local communities.

In 1999, he was elected Prior Provincial of the Augustinians in Chicago. Just two years later, he was chosen Prior General of the worldwide Augustinian Order, a role he held until 2013. His time as global leader of the order gave him an international perspective and fostered relationships across the Church’s global leadership.

Rising through the Vatican ranks

Prevost’s Vatican ascent began in earnest on December 12, 2014, when Pope Francis named him titular bishop of Sufar and apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru. His episcopal ordination marked a turning point in his career. In 2015, he became bishop of Chiclayo, continuing his pastoral and administrative work until 2023.

In January 2023, Prevost was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—one of the most powerful roles in the Roman Curia. The dicastery advises the Pope on the selection of bishops worldwide, giving Prevost enormous influence over the future of the Church. In September of the same year, he was made a cardinal—recognition of his decades of dedication and service.