Robert Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Prevost was born in Chicago. He served as a missionary in Peru. His experience in Latin America and the US shaped his views.

Before he became Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost’s journey to the papacy led him through the City of Niles. A metro Chicago native, Pope Leo XIV – the first American Pope – attended high school in Allegan County at a minor seminary run by the Augustinians.

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.