Robert Francis Prevost might have been born in Chicago, but he spent a big chunk of his life far from the US – working as a missionary in Peru. That global experience is part of what’s made him stand out in Vatican circles.
In 2023, Pope Francis made him a cardinal and handed him one of the most influential gigs in the Church: head of the dicastery for bishops, which basically means he helps pick new bishops around the world. It’s a serious position of power, even if Prevost hasn’t been super vocal on all the hot-button issues.
Cardinal Robert Prevost appears on the central loggia of St Peter’s Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.Credit: AP
Still, we do know where he stands on some things. He’s very much in step with Pope Francis on big-picture themes like caring for the planet, helping the poor, and welcoming migrants. In 2024, he made headlines with this zinger: “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.” In other words, no room for ego trips in the Church.
He’s also backed Francis’ more compassionate approach to Catholics who’ve divorced and remarried, saying they should be able to receive Communion. But when it comes to blessing same-sex couples, his support has been more muted.
As the conclave loomed, insiders were tossing his name around as a possible “compromise candidate” for pope. And because he’s spent so much time in Peru, many see him as more of a global figure than just another American contender.
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