Pope Leo XIV: What you need to know about the first US-born pontiff

In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope on May 8, 2025; becoming the 267th leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, drawing a direct line to Leo XIII, the reform-minded 19th-century pope known for his strong stance on workers’ rights and social doctrine.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope and brings a blend of pastoral experience and institutional leadership. A member of the Augustinian order, he spent much of his early clerical career in Peru, eventually becoming the bishop of Chiclayo.

In 2023, he was appointed by Pope Francis to head the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, where he oversaw the global appointment of Catholic bishops.

His election arrives at a time when the Church is navigating complex geopolitical, ethical, and demographic challenges.

From the growing influence of secularism in the West to expanding Catholic populations in Africa and Asia, the Church’s next chapter will require both continuity and change. Early signals from Pope Leo XIV suggest he will continue the inclusive, pastoral tone of Pope Francis, while sharpening the Vatican’s global diplomatic voice.

Pope Leo XIV’s rise may also carry indirect relevance for the Gulf region. The UAE is home to nearly a million Catholics, and the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, which includes a church, mosque, and synagogue, stands as a symbol of religious coexistence.

The Vatican’s growing outreach to Muslim-majority countries could accelerate under his leadership, especially given his track record in intercultural missions.

Expect the new pope to focus on social justice, environmental stewardship, and modernising Church governance—issues that align with many of the priorities shaping global discourse today.