Pope Leo XIV (267º): Biography, Election & First American Pope
Pontificate: 8 May 2025–present
Leo XIV was the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 8 May 2025–present during the contemporary Catholic Church. First pope to be born after World War II and during the Cold War. He is the reigning Supreme Pontiff and Bishop of Rome.
Who Was Pope Leo XIV?
This biography of Leo XIV (267º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. Common search topics include First American Pope. During the contemporary Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A.. Born 14 September 1955 Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Leo XIV leads (or led) the Church in the contemporary era, when over a billion Catholics look to Rome for unity while the papacy faces globalization, secularization, digital media, and rapid social change.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (8 May 2025–present) centered on governance during the contemporary Catholic Church. Dual American and Peruvian citizen of French, Italian, Spanish and Louisiana Creole descent; first pope born in the United States, first from North America, and the second from the Americas. Second pope from an English-speaking country; the first since Adrian IV(1154–1159). First Augustinian pope.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Leo XIV left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes. Papal motto: In illo Uno unum ("In the One, we are one").
Key Highlights
- 267th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 8 May 2025–present
- First pope to be born after World War II and during the Cold War.
- First Augustinian pope.
- Issued the encyclical Magnifica humanitas(2026), on preserving human dignity in the era of artificial intelligence.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Leo XIV remains pope 267º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the contemporary Catholic Church, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying Leo XIV helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the contemporary Catholic Church — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
Leo XIV followed Pope Francis (266º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Leo XIV is the current reigning pope, the 267th successor of St. Peter and Bishop of Rome. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.