It finally happened. For decades, Vatican watchers joked that an American would never lead the Roman Catholic Church because the U.S. was already too powerful. Then, the white smoke billowed. In May 2025, the world watched as Fox News broke the news of a new pope who defied every historical trend: Pope Leo XIV.
He isn't just another name in the long list of pontiffs. He is Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary who spent years in the trenches of Peru. Honestly, the shift was jarring for a lot of people. You’ve got a guy who likes the White Sox and plays amateur tennis now sitting on the Chair of Saint Peter. It’s a huge deal.
The Fox News New Pope Report: Who is Leo XIV?
When the news first hit, the headlines were everywhere. Fox News reported that the new pope was elected on the second day of the conclave. That's fast. Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, was a bit of a "dark horse" who became the frontrunner almost overnight. He was 69 at the time of his election, which is basically the "Goldilocks" age for a pope—not too young to be radical, but not so old that he’s just a placeholder.
Before he was the Holy Father, he was Cardinal Robert Prevost. He didn't spend his whole life in a gilded office. He was a missionary. He literally drove a white pickup truck through the Andes mountains to deliver blankets and food to remote villages. That kind of "boots on the ground" experience matters. It’s why he was able to win over the African and Asian cardinals who are tired of the Church being too "Euro-centric."
The American Factor
The fact that he’s American is the part everyone keeps talking about. Some people at the Vatican were worried. They thought a U.S. pope might be a puppet for American geopolitical interests. But Prevost is also a dual citizen of Peru. He’s spent more of his adult life in South America than in Illinois.
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Interestingly, some reports surfaced during the election about his past. Public records showed he actually voted in a few Republican primaries back in the day. For some, that was a sign he’d be a conservative firebrand. For others, it was just a weird footnote. Regardless, he’s the first American to ever hold the keys.
What Has Changed Since the Election?
Now that we’re into 2026, the honeymoon phase is over. We’re seeing what Leo XIV is actually made of. He’s been walking a very tight rope. On one hand, he’s kept some of Pope Francis’ most famous policies, like welcoming gay Catholics and keeping the door open for discussions on women’s roles in the Church.
On the other hand, he’s been much tougher on "woke" ideology. He recently gave a speech where he called out "Orwellian-style language" that he says is eroding free speech in the West. He’s also been very vocal about surrogacy, calling it a violation of human dignity. It’s a mix that keeps both the left and the right a little bit on edge.
- He recently closed the 2025 Holy Year, a massive event that brought 33 million pilgrims to Rome.
- He’s already making plans to visit Spain and Algeria in 2026.
- He has called for an "extraordinary consistory" to deal with Church doctrine.
The Focus on Peace and Persecution
If there’s one thing Leo XIV seems obsessed with, it’s peace. His New Year’s Day message for 2026 was all about "disarming the heart." He’s been pushing hard for an end to the violence in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war.
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But it’s not just flowery talk. He’s been using his platform to scream about Christian persecution in places like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He’s making it clear that the Church’s future isn't in the dying pews of Europe, but in the "peripheries" where people are literally dying for their faith.
Why the Media is Obsessed
The Fox News coverage of the new pope has focused heavily on his "man of the people" vibe. There was even a viral moment where he was praised for "dressing with respect" while traveling on a plane—basically, he wasn't trying to look like a celebrity. He’s also the first pope to be a legit social media user, regularly posting calls for prayer and unity.
It’s a different kind of papacy. It feels less like a distant monarchy and more like a global nonprofit. Whether you’re Catholic or not, the "Leo Effect" is real. He’s leaning into his American pragmatism to try and fix a Vatican bureaucracy that has been broken for centuries.
Actionable Insights for Following the Papacy
If you're trying to keep up with what's happening at the Vatican without getting lost in the weeds, here’s how to do it.
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Follow the "Vatican News" App
It’s the official source. While secular media like Fox or the New York Times will give you the political spin, the official app gives you the full text of his speeches. Sometimes the "boring" stuff is where the real policy changes are hidden.
Watch the Consistories
Whenever Leo XIV calls a meeting of cardinals (a consistory), pay attention. This is where he appoints new people who will eventually elect the next pope. It’s the ultimate power move.
Keep an Eye on the "Year of Saint Francis"
The Pope just proclaimed 2026 as the Year of Saint Francis. This isn't just for show. It usually means there will be a heavy focus on poverty and environmental issues, so expect some big encyclicals or letters on those topics soon.
The transition from Francis to Leo XIV has been smoother than many expected, but the real tests are coming. Between the decline of the Church in the West and the rising tensions in the Global South, this Chicago native has his work cut out for him.