Chicago-Born Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV — A Papacy Already Sparking Political Ripples

At 69, Robert Francis Prevost has made history. Born in Chicago and deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, he was elected the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. While his tone is pastoral and unifying, his views have already sparked political resonance — especially in contrast to former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

“I was born in the United States… But my grandparents were all immigrants, French, Spanish,”

Pope Leo said in a recent interview.

“I was raised in a very Catholic family, both of my parents were very engaged in the parish.”