Just weeks ago, Robert Francis Prevost was a relatively little-known cardinal from Chicago. But on May 8, the 69-year-old made global headlines when he emerged from the papal conclave as the newly elected head of the Catholic Church — now known as Pope Leo XIV.
A Pope for the People?
Though his name had quietly circulated among Vatican insiders as a possible successor to Pope Francis, few expected him to be chosen. Yet his election wasn’t the only surprise. His decision to take the name "Leo" has ignited significant curiosity and speculation.
The last pontiff to bear that name, Leo XIII, served from 1878 to 1903 and earned the title "the social pope" for his advocacy of workers’ rights and his defense of the poor. Pope Leo XIV’s name choice has led many to believe he may be positioning himself to carry on that progressive legacy — one focused on compassion, bridge-building, and social justice.
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| Pope Leo XIV leads his first Regina Caeli prayer from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. (Getty Images) |
Although the Vatican has been cautious in outlining the new pope’s political positions, early signals suggest a willingness to challenge powerful figures. He has reshared tweets critical of Donald Trump, publicly denounced Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of Christianity, and in his first homily, issued strong remarks against “violations of human dignity” and society’s fixation on “technology, money, success, power, [and] pleasure.”
Insights from His Brother
Offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the papal vestments is his older brother, John Prevost, a retired Catholic school principal. In a recent interview with The New York Times, John described Leo as someone with a steady, centrist approach.
“I don’t think we’ll see extremes either way,” he said. But he did hint that one issue may draw a more forceful response: immigration.
“I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration. That much I know for a fact. How far he’ll go with it is anyone’s guess, but he won’t just sit back. I don’t think he’ll be the silent one.”
That sentiment echoes Pope Francis’s 2016 rebuke of then-candidate Trump’s proposed border wall, stating that anyone focused solely on “building walls” rather than “building bridges” is acting contrary to Christian values. Francis also sharply criticized Trump’s mass deportation plans, calling them an affront to human dignity.
A Man of Conviction — and Hobbies
In his first public Mass as pontiff, Leo XIV emphasized faith, missionary work, and a commitment to confronting global inequality and human rights violations. But when he's not addressing the moral crises of the world, he reveals a more personal side.
“He’s just a regular guy,” John said. Despite the weight of his new role, Leo still enjoys the little things — like watching films. One of his favorites? Conclave, a thriller about the very process that elevated him to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, a 1977 graduate of Villanova University, is also a lifelong sports fan. He supported the Chicago White Sox during their 2005 World Series win and follows Peruvian soccer team Alianza Lima. Tennis is another favorite pastime, though his schedule leaves little time for it these days.
A Papacy with Purpose
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| Franco Origlia/Getty Images |
As the global Church awaits Pope Leo XIV’s next moves, one thing is already apparent: beneath the formal traditions lies a man with deeply held convictions — and a close-knit family that believes he's unafraid to speak up when it counts.
In a time of rising political tensions, fierce immigration debates, and an evolving global Church, a critical question now looms: How boldly will this American-born pope lead — and are world leaders prepared for what he might say next?
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