He’s American! The Vatican has introduced Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, as the new pope of the Catholic Church. Under the name Leo XIV, Prevost becomes the new Successor of Peter, following the death of Pope Francis this past April. But who exactly is he? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Robert Francis Prevost, now the first pope from the United States, was born in Chicago in 1955. He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, was ordained a priest in 1982, and later earned a doctorate in Canon Law in Rome. He also studied Mathematical Sciences at Villanova University.
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He served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Prevost played an important role in Peru, focusing on missionary work and the formation of future Augustinians, and in 2015 he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo. In 2018, he became vice president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, and in 2020 he was named apostolic administrator of Callao by Pope Francis.
Prevost held various positions within Vatican congregations and was made a cardinal in January 2023, officially taking on the role of prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Why is the new pope called Leo XIV?
The new pope’s choice to adopt the name Leo XIV symbolizes his intention to honor past pontiffs who led the Church through times of transformation and challenge. It also reflects his commitment to continuity and strength in spiritual leadership.
What is Pope Leo XIV’s net worth?
At present, Robert Francis Prevost’s net worth is private; however, as a cardinal, he reportedly earned a monthly salary of between 4,000 and 5,000 euros.
How much will Pope Leo XIV earn?
Unlike cardinals, the pope does not receive a salary, as his essential expenses—including food, clothing, healthcare, and more—are covered by the Vatican. Therefore, Leo XIV will not receive an income as the Supreme Pontiff.
How many popes has the Catholic Church had?
To date, the Vatican has had a total of 267 popes, including Leo XIV, who took office after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 of this year.
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Who is the youngest pope in history?
That would be John XII, born Ottaviano. He was born in Rome in 937 into the influential Tusculum family, the son of Alberic II of Spoleto, a powerful Roman prince and senator.
Thanks to his father’s political power within the Holy Roman Empire, Ottaviano was groomed to succeed him in both religious and political spheres, paving the way for his rise to the papacy. At just 17 years old, he became pope under the name John XII, making him the youngest pope in history.
Who have been the oldest popes in history?
Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci, known as Pope Leo XIII, is considered the longest-living pope in history. However, he is not the only one to have reached an advanced age while serving as pope. These are some of the oldest popes the Catholic Church has had:
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Leo XIII – 93 years old
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Francis – 88 years old
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Clement XII – 87 years old
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Clement X – 86 years old
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Benedict XVI – 85 years old
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Pius IX – 85 years old
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Innocent XII – 85 years old
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John Paul II – 84 years old
