Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, was elected the 267th pope and head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. He is the first pope born in the United States and the first from North America, as well as the first from the Order of Saint Augustine.

Prevost spent many years as a missionary in Peru, served as prior general of the Augustinians, and was Bishop of Chiclayo before being appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was made a cardinal in 2023.

Pope Leo XIV chose his papal name in honor of Pope Leo XIII, known for his leadership and commitment to social teaching. His episcopal motto is “In illo uno unum” (“In the One, we are one”), reflecting his emphasis on unity and harmony within the Church.

We have rediscovered the fundamental role of the first announcement or kerygma, which needs to be the center of all evangelizing activity and all efforts at Church renewal… On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you”