If you’ve been scrolling through the news lately, you might’ve noticed a new name popping up next to the words "The Vatican." It’s a big shift. Honestly, for over a decade, the world got used to the face of Jorge Mario Bergoglio—Pope Francis. But the era of the first Jesuit pope from the Americas has officially transitioned into a new chapter.
So, who is the new pope after Pope Francis? His name is Pope Leo XIV. Born Robert Francis Prevost, he was elected on May 8, 2025. It’s a name that carries a lot of weight in Church history, but the man himself is a bit of a "bridge-builder" between worlds.
The Conclave of 2025: A Quick Look Back
The transition happened faster than many expected. Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a tough battle with bilateral pneumonia. After the period of mourning and the funeral at St. Peter’s, the cardinals locked themselves in the Sistine Chapel.
It didn't take long.
On the second day of the conclave, white smoke billowed. Robert Prevost, an American-born cardinal who spent decades as a missionary in Peru, emerged on the balcony. He took the name Leo XIV. It was a choice that signaled a desire for strength and intellectual clarity, harkening back to the "Leo" popes of the past who were known for their teaching authority.
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Who is Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV)?
To understand the man now wearing the white cassock, you have to look at his passport—or passports, plural. He’s the first pope born in the United States, specifically Chicago. But he’s also a citizen of Peru.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois (raised in Dolton).
- Religious Order: Order of Saint Augustine (Augustinians).
- Missionary Work: He spent years in the trenches in Peru, working as a pastor and teacher.
- Vatican Role: Before being elected, he was the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Basically, he was the guy in charge of picking new bishops around the world.
He’s an "outside insider." He knows the Roman Curia (the Vatican bureaucracy) inside and out, but his heart seems to stay with the missionary spirit he developed in South America.
What’s Changing Under the New Pope?
Every pope brings a different vibe. Francis was all about "the smell of the sheep"—getting out into the streets. Leo XIV seems to be leaning into collegiality.
What does that actually mean?
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Well, in January 2026, he did something pretty radical. He called all the world's cardinals to Rome for an "extraordinary consistory." He told them, point-blank, "I am here to listen." He’s moving away from the "solo leader" style and trying to run the Church more like a board of directors. He wants the cardinals to meet every single year to help him make decisions.
It’s a subtle shift, but in the world of the Vatican, it's a tectonic one.
The Big Issues on His Desk
Leo XIV didn't get a "honeymoon phase." He’s already tackling some heavy stuff:
- The Abuse Crisis: He’s been very vocal about "opening the doors" to victims and making sure they aren't ignored by the hierarchy.
- Global Conflict: His New Year’s 2026 message was a plea for peace in countries "bloodied by war." He’s specifically watching the situations in Ukraine and Venezuela.
- Vatican II: He’s a big fan of the Second Vatican Council. He’s even started a series of weekly talks to get Catholics to reread those documents.
Why the Name "Leo"?
Naming yourself is the first big statement a pope makes. By choosing Leo, he’s connecting himself to Leo the Great (who famously met Attila the Hun) and Leo XIII (who wrote the first major Church document on social justice and labor rights).
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It suggests he wants to be a teacher. He’s highly educated—he’s got a doctorate in Canon Law. If Francis was the "Pope of the People," Leo XIV is shaping up to be the "Pope of the Word." He’s more measured, more academic, but still very focused on the poor, thanks to his Augustinian roots.
A New Style of Leadership
You might notice he does things a bit differently than his predecessor. While Francis often bypassed official channels to talk directly to the press or individuals, Leo XIV seems to love the process.
He’s resurrecting traditions that Francis let slide, like the regular consistories. But don’t mistake that for being "traditionalist" in the way some people mean it. He’s still very much in line with the reforms Francis started; he’s just changing the way they are implemented.
Actionable Insights for Following the Papacy
If you want to keep up with how the Church is changing under the new pope after Pope Francis, here are a few things to watch:
- Follow the Wednesday Audiences: This is where Leo XIV is currently breaking down the teachings of Vatican II. It’s the best way to see his "roadmap" for the next few years.
- Watch the June 2026 Consistory: This will be the next big gathering of cardinals. Pay attention to which themes they vote to discuss—it’ll tell you what the global Church is actually worried about.
- Look at the New Appointments: As the man who used to pick bishops, he’s an expert at finding talent. Who he chooses for major cities like New York or Paris will show you his true priorities.
The transition from Francis to Leo XIV marks a shift from a charismatic, spontaneous papacy to one that is more structured, collegial, and focused on institutional reform. It’s a different energy, but for a global Church of 1.4 billion people, it’s the reality of 2026.