Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV — is the first pope from the United States. The 69-year-old from Chicago is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments.

The 2025 papal conclave at the Vatican ended with the election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Here's what to know about him.

"Peace be with all of you!" Those were the first words of Pope Leo XIV, the newly anointed leader of the Catholic Church.As Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost addressed the ecstatic crowd gathered in St.