Who / What
Pope Leo XIV is the current head of the Catholic Church, serving as the sovereign of Vatican City. He has held this position since the year 2025.
Background & History
Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, he was raised in Dolton, Illinois. Pope Leo XIV is notable as the first pope to have been born in the United States and the first to hold either U.S. or Peruvian citizenships. He is also the first from the Order of Saint Augustine and the second from the Americas.
Why Notable
He holds the unique distinction of being the first pope born in the United States. Pope Leo XIV is also the first to have held either U.S. or Peruvian citizenships. Furthermore, he is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine.
In the News
As the head of the Catholic Church since 2025, Pope Leo XIV remains a central figure in global religious and political affairs. His unique background as an American-born pope continues to draw significant attention worldwide.
