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Topline Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, 69, will lead the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pope from the United States, whom Vatican experts say mirrors his predecessor’s championing of the poor, though he has drawn criticism for his handling of priests accused of sexual abuse. Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica … More shortly after being elected pope. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Key Facts Prevost was elected after just four ballots on day two of the papal conclave, largely in line with the length of recent conclaves, and he assumes the papacy more than two weeks after Pope Francis died. Vatican experts have considered Leo XIV more of a centrist than his liberal-leaning predecessor, with CNN’s Vatican analyst Elise Allen stating he is seen as “somebody who is calm and balanced, who is even-handed,” and is known as an “exceptional leader.” In his first address as pope, Leo XIV emphasized the need to create a “church that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone,” speaking in both Spanish and Italian, while reminiscing on his service in Chiclayo. Key Background Leo XIV, 69, is the first American-born pope in the Catholic Church’s history. He was born in Chicago, the son of Louis Prevost, a World War II Navy veteran and school superintendent of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martinez, a librarian of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph. He grew up attending the now-closed St. Mary of the Assumption church on the south side of Chicago with his family, where his mother was an active participant in church activities and he was an altar boy, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. He attended St.…

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Filed under: News - @ May 8, 2025 9:23 pm