Leo XIV, first American pope, transcends his restrained style

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has gradually carved out a distinctive style for himself within the Catholic Church. Elected on May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from Chicago, brought a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a missionary in Peru for over two decades and possessing intimate knowledge of the Vatican and Roman Curia.

Throughout the past year and a half, Leo's character and priorities have become increasingly apparent, displaying a readiness to address pressing global issues. He has shown willingness to intercede in matters such as emerging technology and advocate for the marginalized. Recent papal trips across Italy, Africa, and Spain have set the stage for an upcoming visit to France from September 25 to 28.

With Spanish, Italian, Quebecois, Monegasque, and Creole ancestry, Leo is a polyglot who can read French. His paternal grandmother was born in Le Havre, France, before emigrating to the United States in the early 20th century. Described as soft-spoken, calm, and methodical, Pope Leo has recently revealed a more assertive side.

French scholar Martin Dumont noted that Leo's approachability has won him over, while acknowledging his evolution from an initially withdrawn demeanor. Leo's American upbringing has equipped him to navigate modern communication codes more effectively than his Argentine predecessor.

Throughout 2025, Leo has been vocal in condemning corruption among African leaders, advocating for European support of migrants, and defending himself against personal attacks from U.S. President Donald Trump. His interests, including tennis, swimming, and support for the Chicago White Sox, reflect a relaxed attitude towards the modern world.

Leo's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, published in May, called for AI to serve human dignity, sparking discussions beyond Catholic circles. He has continued Francis's efforts to foster peace in conflicts, acting as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine while adopting a more decisive stance regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Leo's opposition to Trump's authoritarianism has bolstered his popularity as a resistance figure against populism.

Born on September 14, 1955, Leo is the youngest of three brothers who played priest with neighbors as a child. Ordained in 1982, he served as a mendicant Order of Saint Augustine leader for two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2013, visiting Augustine communities globally. He spent two decades in Peru as a missionary before becoming the apostolic administrator of the Chiclayo diocese.

Cardinally appointed in 2023, Leo served as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key Vatican department advising the pope on appointments. Described as "the least American of Americans," Leo expressed love for America while identifying more strongly with his role as the pope who happens to be American.