Ethan Walker
As of May 2025, there is a new Catholic Pope. Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church and is the first American Pope. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has also spent much of his career in Peru, where he served as an Augustinian priest and bishop. Pope Leo XIV's election follows the passing of Pope Francis in April 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Leo XIV |
| Former Name | Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost |
| Date of Birth | 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, United States |
| Ordination Year | 1982 |
| Education | Villanova University, Catholic Theological Union in Chicago |
| Affiliation | Order of Saint Augustine |
| Previous Roles | Bishop of Chiclayo, Apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo |
| Date Elected Pope | May 8, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Francis' death
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. He was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his death. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American, and the first pope born or raised outside of Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III.
Pope Francis's last public appearance was at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025, where he gave his final Easter address and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. He died at 07:35 local time at his residence in Domus Sanctae Marthae. His death was caused by a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible cardiac arrest. He also suffered from type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Pope Francis's death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, in a broadcast on Vatican Media and in a video statement. His funeral took place on 26 April 2025, and he was buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, becoming the first pope to be interred there since Clement IX in 1669.
The conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor began on 7 May 2025, and on 8 May, Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born cardinal made by Francis in 2023, was elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
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The election of Pope Leo XIV
On 8 May 2025, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost was elected as the 267th Bishop of Rome, becoming Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the new pope to the waiting crowds, proclaiming, "Annuntio vobis gaudium: Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum Robertum Franciscum Sanctae Romane Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV", which translates to "I announce to you a great joy: WE HAVE A POPE. The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV".
Pope Leo XIV's first words to the crowds were, "Peace be with all of you!". He is the first American pope, having been born in Chicago, and is a citizen by naturalization of Peru, where he served as an Augustinian priest and bishop for approximately 20 years. Before his election, he had spent almost 20 years in Italy and the Vatican studying and in various Church leadership roles.
Pope Leo XIV arrived at the papal summer retreat of Castel Gandolfo on 6 July to start a six-week vacation, during which he plans to draft his first encyclical, a significant teaching document for the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV's ancestry has been a particular focus of interest. Research has revealed that he has recent African American ancestors, including both enslaved people and enslavers. It has been noted that his family tree shows a long line of individuals identified in records as "mulatto", "mulatress", "free person of colour", and "quadroon".
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The first American Pope
On 8 May 2025, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost was elected as the 267th Bishop of Rome, becoming the first American Pope in the Catholic Church's nearly 2,000-year history. Taking the papal name Leo XIV, the new Pope was introduced to the world by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, who proclaimed the traditional "Habemus Papam" ("We Have a Pope").
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a polyglot, having addressed the crowd in St. Peter's Square in Italian and Spanish, opening with the words, "Peace be with all of you!". He is also an Augustinian, having spent over a decade serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru, as well as travelling widely as the head of the Augustinian order.
The election of an American Pope signals a continuation of the globalisation of the Catholic Church, with Pope Leo XIV being the first non-European Pope since 741. His international background and experience are seen as key qualities, and he is expected to carry on Pope Francis' legacy of synodality and pastoral concerns.
However, as the first American Pope, Leo XIV may face unique challenges. He will need to navigate the diverse landscape of the American Catholic Church, which includes both conservative and progressive factions. Additionally, he will need to balance the expectations and needs of the global Catholic community, demonstrating his ability to transcend borders and unite the faithful.
Overall, the election of the first American Pope, Leo XIV, marks a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church, reflecting its evolving global nature and presenting opportunities for new directions under his leadership.
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The Pope's salary and expenses
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, is the new Pope. He is the first American Pope and the 267th Bishop of Rome. Pope Leo XIV is entitled to a monthly salary of approximately €30,000, which is about $33,000 or $396,000 per year. Pope Leo XIV's predecessor, Pope Francis, refused to collect a salary and donated the money to the poor. Pope Francis, who was the leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years, had a net worth of $16 million. His net worth was determined by the office's resources and perks rather than individual income.
The Pope's salary is on par with the wages of U.S. presidents. Government leaders receive a baseline salary of $400,000, with at least another $170,000 per year in additional allowances for official duties, travel, and entertainment. The Pope also has access to unique perks like the Popemobile, a private pharmacy, and a cushy retirement. After retirement, the Pope would receive a monthly pension of €2,500 ($3,300) and the Vatican will cover the living expenses, provide a home inside the Vatican, and pay for all daily necessities, including food and housekeeping.
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Pope Benedict XVI's alleged offences
Yes, there is a new Catholic Pope, Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost). He was elected on 8 May 2025.
Pope Benedict XVI was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. He was the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII in 1415, citing age and health concerns.
Benedict XVI's papacy was marked by several challenges, including the church's handling of sexual abuse by priests. In 2010, allegations of sexual and physical abuse by priests and in parochial schools, particularly in Germany, Ireland, and the United States, brought Benedict under intense media scrutiny. Victims' groups and the media criticized Benedict for failing to address the abuse allegations adequately and for his role in covering up the cases. In response, Benedict issued a pastoral letter expressing sorrow and promising changes in the way accusations of abuse were addressed. He also met with the Maltese youth in Valletta and an estimated 10,000 young people greeted him.
In November 2020, the Vatican published a report blaming Benedict XVI and his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, for allowing former cardinal Theodore McCarrick to rise in power despite knowing about sex abuse allegations against him. McCarrick remained active throughout Benedict's papacy, even presiding over US Senator Ted Kennedy's burial service in 2009.
In addition to the sexual abuse scandals, Benedict XVI faced other challenges during his papacy, including a decline in vocations and church attendance, as well as divisive debates concerning the direction of the church.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the 267th Pope on May 8, 2025.
Pope Francis, the 266th Pope, was elected in 2013 and passed away on April 21, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope. He was born in Chicago and lived there until his mid-20s. He is also a citizen of Peru, where he served as an Augustinian priest and bishop for approximately 20 years.
There are no official candidates for the papacy. Cardinals from around the world gather in the Vatican City and sing "Veni Creator Spiritus" ("Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest") to call upon the Holy Spirit for assistance. White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel signals that a new Pope has been elected.
