Overview

• Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, was elected Pope Leo XIV, making him the first American pontiff in history.
• In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Church's evangelical mission and warned against reducing Jesus to a mere charismatic figure.
• Prevost's transnational heritage, with roots in Italy and France, has drawn attention as a symbol of the Church's global character.
• Criticism from U.S. conservatives has surfaced over past social media posts attributed to him, which highlight progressive views on immigration and social justice.
• The Vatican confirmed that an investigation into previous allegations of abuse-related misconduct found Prevost’s conduct to be impeccable.