Pope Leo XIV was elected as the 266th successor to St. Peter on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. His election marked a historic moment as he became the first American-born pope and the first member of the Augustinian order to ascend to the papacy.

Robert Francis Prevost, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church. He is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) and has served in various capacities, including missionary work in Peru, leadership roles within the Augustinian order, and positions in the Vatican's administrative bodies.

Born to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez, Robert Prevost grew up in a multicultural household with French, Italian, and Spanish heritage.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977. He later pursued theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and obtained both a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law.

Prevost entered the Augustinian novitiate in 1977, made his solemn vows in 1981, and was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982. In 1985, he began missionary work in Peru, serving in various roles.

In 2001, Prevost was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, a position he held until 2013.

Appointed by Pope Francis, he became the Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015, serving the diocese in northern Peru.

In 2023, he was appointed as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide.

Following the death of Pope Francis, Prevost was elected as the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, taking the name Leo XIV.