In a historic conclave that began on May 7, the College of Cardinals elected Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American-born bishop and former missionary in Peru, as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away after a transformative 12-year pontificate that championed openness, social justice, and global inclusion.
Born in Chicago, Prevost brings decades of international experience to the papacy, having served as a missionary, teacher, and bishop in Peru, where he was also naturalized. A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he led his religious order globally and most recently held one of the Vatican’s most powerful posts: overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide.
Prevost’s leadership style is rooted in humility and proximity to the poor. Echoing Francis’ pastoral vision, he once said, “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.” While seen as more reserved than his predecessor, he is expected to continue the synodal process that involves laypeople more deeply in Church affairs.
On controversial issues, Prevost’s stance is more cautious. In a 2012 address, he criticized Western support for same-sex relationships, though he has remained largely silent on LGBTQ+ matters in recent years. His track record on clerical abuse cases has drawn scrutiny, and it remains to be seen how he will address systemic accountability.
The conclave lasted two days, in line with modern trends of swift papal elections. Prevost was elected by the largest group of cardinal electors in Church history—135 under the age of 80, the majority of whom were appointed by Pope Francis.
As Prevost begins his papacy, the Catholic Church faces complex challenges: internal divisions, questions about the role of women and married clergy, and pressure for reform in the face of growing secularism.
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