Pope
Leo
Elected May 8, 2025 · 267th Successor of St. Peter
Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA the first pope born in North America, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, and a shepherd of deep pastoral heart.
On May 8, 2025, the Church joyfully welcomed Pope Leo XIV as the 267th successor of St. Peter. He succeeds Pope Francis and brings with him a deep pastoral heart, missionary experience, and a lifelong commitment to listening, dialogue, and communion.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and a naturalized citizen of Peru, Pope Leo XIV is the first pope born in North America, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, and the second from the Americas after Pope Francis. His early priesthood was spent among the people of Peru, serving in remote parishes, teaching in seminaries, and accompanying the faithful through decades of pastoral ministry.
A Church that walks together rooted in prayer, open to the Holy Spirit, and present to the joys and struggles of the world.
He later led the Augustinian order worldwide and was most recently appointed by Pope Francis to oversee the Church's bishops and its work in Latin America. In choosing the name Leo, he honors Pope Leo XIII, known for advancing Catholic social teaching a sign of his deep concern for justice, human dignity, and care for the poor.
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the importance of unity, synodality, and missionary outreach, and has called us all to be a listening Church, especially attentive to those on the margins. As we enter this new chapter, we ask the Holy Spirit to bless Pope Leo XIV with wisdom and strength.
Coat of Arms & Motto
A Symbol of Unity
and Augustinian Faith
Pope Leo XIV's coat of arms offers a powerful reflection of his Augustinian heritage and the values that will shape his pontificate especially unity, communion, and a deep love for God's Word.
Biography
The Life of
Pope Leo XIV
A Prayer for
Pope Leo XIV
The Archdiocese of New York has prepared a personal digital prayer card for the faithful. Carry this prayer with you a moment to lift up our new Holy Father in intercession, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength, and the grace to shepherd His Church.
May 8, 2025
of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Leo,
whom you have set at the head
of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word
and example he may be of service
to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock
entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.