He had the good papal housekeeping seal of approval from Pope Francis, his predecessor, who put him in one of the top jobs in the Catholic Church. There, as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, he led the office that helped Francis choose bishops and, thus, determine the future of the church.

The 2025 papal conclave at the Vatican ended with the election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Here's what to know about him.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV — is the first pope from the United States. The 69-year-old from Chicago is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments.