VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Robert Prevost was officially inaugurated as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, during a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square. He becomes the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American-born pontiff in its history.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. His background includes missionary work in Peru and leadership roles within the Vatican, including service in several key dicasteries.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who stepped down earlier this year.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized commitments to peace, social justice, and spiritual renewal. While known to support many of the priorities of his predecessor, he is expected to approach Church doctrine with a more traditional perspective.
The ceremony was attended by thousands of Catholics from around the world, including a large contingent from the Philippines. Reverend Gregory Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, noted the widespread joy among Filipinos present at the event.
