Robert Prevost, the first US cleric to lead the Roman Catholic church, has said “evil will not prevail” as he addressed a crowd of 100,000 pilgrims and tourists in his first speech as Pope Leo XIV from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Before his name was officially announced from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the crowd was already chanting “Viva il Papa” – meaning “Long live the Pope.” Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69, has been named the 267th Pope and will be known as Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV’s Background and Early Leadership
Although American by birth, Pope Leo XIV is also closely associated with Latin America due to his years of missionary work in Peru. Born in Chicago in 1955 to Spanish and Franco-Italian parents, he was ordained as a priest in 1982 after serving as an altar boy. He moved to Peru in 1985 but continued to maintain ties with the US, working as both pastor and prior in Chicago. He holds dual nationality with Peru and is well-regarded for his work among marginalized communities and for fostering inclusion. He spent a decade as a parish priest and seminary teacher in Trujillo, in northwestern Peru.
In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, calling his voice “weak but always courageous.” He urged the faithful to move forward united and guided by God.
Pope Leo XIV, a member of the Augustinian Order, gained prominence within the Church due to his leadership as the Bishop of Chiclayo, an appointment made by Pope Francis in 2014. Later, he became prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops —a global role responsible for overseeing bishop appointments worldwide. In January 2023, he was elevated to archbishop, and soon after, Pope Francis made him a cardinal.
Social Justice, Environmental Advocacy, and Church Reforms Under Pope Leo XIV
Observers are now watching closely to see if he will continue the reforms initiated by Pope Francis. Prevost is believed to share Francis’s compassionate stance toward migrants, the poor, and environmental issues. Reverend John Lydon, a former roommate, described him as approachable, grounded, and deeply committed to the underprivileged. In an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai before his election, Prevost shared that his immigrant heritage—Spanish and French grandparents—shaped his strong Catholic upbringing in the US.
Experts see the choice of the name “Leo” as a signal of his focus on social issues. The first Pope Leo famously persuaded Attila the Hun not to attack Rome, and the last, Leo XIII, is remembered for championing workers’ rights during a time of major social and economic change. Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley noted that Leo XIII’s commitment to justice resonates with the current Pope’s outlook.
Leo XIV’s stance on LGBT issues is still emerging. Though some conservative cardinals think he may be more reserved than Francis, he has endorsed Francis’ decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples and others in non-traditional situations, while emphasizing that such guidance should be adapted to local cultural contexts.
On environmental issues, he has urged a shift from rhetoric to tangible action, advocating for a “reciprocal relationship” with nature. He has supported eco-friendly initiatives at the Vatican like installing solar panels and using electric vehicles.
He also champions greater roles for women in Church leadership. In 2023, he welcomed the inclusion of women in the Dicastery for Bishops, highlighting how their perspectives enrich decision-making. In a 2024 interview, he emphasized their valuable contribution to identifying suitable candidates for the episcopate.
