Pope Leo XIV

Context

Robert Francis Prevost, 69, has become the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter and he will be known as Leo XIV. He is the first American to fill the role of pope. Although American by birth, Prevost has strong ties to Latin America, particularly Peru, where he served as a missionary and church leader for many years.

About

The Pope is the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, which has over 3 billion followers worldwide.
He also holds the title of Bishop of Rome and is considered the successor to Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles.
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest denomination within Christianity. This means the papacy plays a significant role in how Christianity is perceived globally.
The office of the pope is referred to as the
The Pope is the supreme authority in doctrinal, moral, and administrative matters within the Church.
He presides over the Holy See, the central governing body of the Church, and the Vatican City State, a sovereign city-state enclave within Rome.
Popes are elected by a conclave of cardinals—senior church officials—who gather in the Sistine Chapel.
The elected pope traditionally adopts a new papal name, symbolising spiritual rebirth and continuity.