It happened faster than anyone expected, didn't it? One minute we’re looking at photos of Pope Francis greeting the faithful on Easter Sunday 2025, and the next, the world is mourning his sudden passing on Easter Monday. Then, just weeks later—boom. White smoke. A new era. If you’re asking what is the name of the new pope, you’re looking for Pope Leo XIV.
But that’s just the "official" name. Behind the title is Robert Francis Prevost, a guy from Chicago who made history the second he stepped onto that balcony.
Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind since May 8, 2025. People were placing bets on Italian cardinals or maybe another South American, but the Conclave threw a curveball. By choosing Prevost, the Church didn't just pick a new leader; they picked their first-ever American-born pontiff. It’s a huge deal. You’ve got a kid who grew up in the suburbs of Illinois now sitting in the Chair of St. Peter.
Who Exactly is Pope Leo XIV?
Before he was Leo XIV, he was Cardinal Robert Prevost. He wasn't exactly a "celebrity" cardinal, but inside the Vatican walls, he was a heavyweight. He’s an Augustinian—part of the Order of Saint Augustine—and he spent years doing the hard work in Peru. We’re talking decades of missionary work, living among the people, and eventually becoming the Bishop of Chiclayo.
He isn't just a bureaucrat. He’s got dual citizenship (U.S. and Peru), which gives him this unique perspective. He speaks fluent Spanish, English, and Italian. When Pope Francis brought him back to Rome in 2023 to head the Dicastery for Bishops, it was a signal. Francis trusted him to pick the next generation of leaders. Now, he's the leader.
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Why the name "Leo"?
Choosing a papal name is basically the first "tweet" a pope sends out to the world. It sets the vibe for the whole papacy. By picking Leo XIV, Prevost was making a statement. We haven’t had a "Leo" since 1903.
- Leo I (The Great): Known for standing up to Attila the Hun and protecting Rome.
- Leo XIII: The "social" pope who wrote Rerum Novarum, the document that basically started the Church’s modern stance on workers' rights and social justice.
By reaching back to the name Leo, the new pope is signaling a blend of ancient strength and modern social concern. He’s basically saying, "I’m here to protect the tradition, but I’m also here to fight for the little guy."
What’s Changed Since He Took Over?
It’s now early 2026, and the "honeymoon phase" is over. People want to see action. If you’ve been following the news, you know his first few months were dominated by finishing up the Jubilee Year that Francis started. But now that we’ve hit January 2026, Leo XIV is starting to show his own hand.
He just finished a massive "Extraordinary Consistory" with the world’s cardinals. Usually, these meetings are just for show—fancy hats and long speeches. But Leo changed the format. He broke them into small groups. He wanted them to actually talk to each other about things like Curia reform and how the Church handles technology.
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It’s less of a monarchy and more of a board meeting. Kinda refreshing, actually.
The Chicago Connection
There’s a lot of chatter about his "American-ness." Some people were worried a U.S. pope would be too political or too focused on Western issues. But his time in Peru really tempered that. When he talks about the economy, he’s not talking about Wall Street; he’s talking about the families he knew in the Andes who couldn't afford bread.
He’s already making waves in foreign policy, too. Just this month, he gave a pretty stinging speech to diplomats about how "war is back in vogue." He’s not pulling punches. He’s leaning into that "Lion" name (Leo means lion, after all).
What Most People Get Wrong
One big misconception is that he’s just "Francis 2.0." While it's true he was a close ally of Francis and shares that heart for the poor, Leo XIV is much more of a "law and order" guy. He has a JCD—a Doctorate in Canon Law. He likes things done properly.
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Where Francis was spontaneous and sometimes confusing to the traditionalists, Leo is precise. He’s trying to bridge that gap between the folks who love the old ways and the folks who want the Church to modernize. It’s a tightrope walk.
- Style: Less "rockstar," more "professor/pastor."
- Focus: Strong emphasis on the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) as a living document, not just a historical event.
- Governance: Moving toward "collegiality"—meaning he wants to share power with bishops around the world rather than running everything from a desk in Rome.
What to Watch for in 2026
If you’re keeping tabs on what is the name of the new pope, you’ll want to watch his upcoming travel schedule. There are rumors he’s planning a trip to Algeria—a nod to his Augustinian roots—and a major trip to Spain.
He’s also launched a "Special Year of St. Francis" to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. It’s a smart move. It keeps the Franciscan spirit of the previous papacy alive while giving him a platform to talk about peace and the environment.
Actionable Insights: How to Keep Up
If you want to stay informed about Leo XIV without getting bogged down in "Vatican-speak," here are a few things you can do:
- Check the Wednesday Audiences: Every Wednesday, he gives a talk in Rome. This is where he’s currently teaching a series on the documents of Vatican II. It’s the best way to understand his "theology of the heart."
- Look for the "Angelus" transcripts: Every Sunday, he speaks from the window of the Apostolic Palace. These are usually short and focus on current world events—like his recent calls for peace in Iran and Syria.
- Follow "Vatican News" directly: Instead of waiting for the mainstream media to filter his words, go to the source. They’ve gotten surprisingly good at social media lately.
The name of the new pope is Leo XIV, but the man is Robert Prevost—a Chicagoan with a Peruvian heart and a Roman job. Whether you’re Catholic or not, his leadership is going to shape global conversations on migration, peace, and human rights for years to come. It’s a fascinating time to be watching the Vatican.