​​7 lesser-known things about the new Pope Leo XIV​

Leo XIV has been recently chosen as the new pope to lead the Catholic Church after the passing of Pope Francis. He was born as Robert Prevost in Chicago US, and his journey to the papacy has been shaped by service in Latin America and his close association with Pope Francis.

While not much is known about his personal views on certain issues, his appointment signifies the continuation of Pope Francis' commitment to social justice, compassion, and outreach to the poor. Pope Leo XIV’s selection is not just a crucial moment for the Church but also for the world, with his global ties and life experiences influencing the direction of the Church in the coming years.

Here are seven things you should know about Pope Leo XIV.

Though Robert Prevost was born in Chicago, he became known within the Vatican as the "least American" of US cardinals. His long tenure in Latin America, particularly in Peru, shaped his identity and approach. Serving as bishop in Peru for nearly a decade, first in Trujillo and then in Chiclayo, he embraced the local culture and language, mastering Spanish and Italian. This connection to the region set him apart, and in his first public appearance in St. Peter’s Square, he delivered his address in fluent Spanish and Italian as reported by CNN.

Pope Leo XIV was highly regarded by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who respected and valued him. According to Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican correspondent, Pope Francis saw in him “something, he saw him as a capable leader.” When Lamb met the new pope as a cardinal, he described him as "a very thoughtful person, a very measured person" who was "understated." This indicates that the new pope shares many of the qualities of his predecessor, taking forth the vision of a compassionate and forward-thinking Church.

Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship with both the United States and Peru. After being born in Chicago, he obtained Peruvian citizenship in August 2015. This dual nationality shows a broader global perspective he brings to the papacy. When the news broke of his election, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte celebrated it as a "historic moment for Peru and the world," highlighting the significance of the pope’s connection to both the U.S. and Peru, as reported by the National Migration Registry.

The choice of the papal name "Leo XIV" carries deep significance, continuing a legacy of advocating for the poor. The last pope to carry the name, Pope Leo XIII, was well known for his support of workers' rights and his commitment to Catholic social teachings. The new pope's name signifies his intent to follow in Leo XIII’s footsteps, focusing on issues such as poverty, workers’ rights, and social justice. This shows his determination to carry forward the work of Pope Francis in addressing the needs of the marginalized.

As per reports by the Reuters, Pope Leo XIV’s support for his predecessor’s vision for the Church is undeniable. Rev. Mark Francis, a longtime friend, recalled that the new pope was a "firm supporter" of Pope Francis, especially in terms of his dedication to social justice. Rev. Francis shared that Prevost always maintained a "voice of common sense and practical concerns for the Church’s outreach to the poor." His work in Peru clearly depicts these values, and makes him as a leader who prioritises social interaction and justice.

Pope Leo XIV has a deep passion for sports, particularly tennis and football. While living in Peru, he became a fan of the Peruvian football club Alianza Lima. In addition, he’s an avid supporter of the Italian football club Roma. However, his most important sports affiliation is with the Chicago White Sox, a team he has supported for years. As his brother, John Prevost, humorously shared, "He was never, ever a Cubs fan." This passion for sports shows a personal side of the pope that connects him to people in a relatable way.

Pope Leo XIV’s election reflects the increasingly global nature of the Catholic Church. While his roots are in the US, his extensive work in Latin America and his dual citizenship with Peru show his broad international background. His election is not just symbolic of the Church’s reach but also of its focus on global social issues. In this way, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy may continue the global, inclusive approach initiated by Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pope and has shaped the direction of the Church in the 21st century.