On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church elected its new spiritual leader: Leo XIV, papal name adopted by Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, a religious man born in Chicago with a strong connection to Latin America. With his appointment, he becomes the first American to occupy the Chair of Saint Peter, and his profile stands out for his life story and work in Latin American countries, especially Peru.
A pope with multicultural formation
Prevost Martínez was born on September 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, and possesses an ecclesiastical path that connects him closely with Latin America. His mother, Mildred Martínez, is of Spanish and Peruvian descent, which later granted him Peruvian nationality in 2015, adding a Latin American dimension to his identity.
He speaks fluent English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, which has allowed him to carry out his pastoral work in various countries with ease. This ability has been key in his missionary work and his bond with the Catholic community in Latin America.
Experience in Peru and leadership in Latin America
For nearly a decade, Leo XIV served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, in northern Peru, a region with a significant Catholic population. In this role, he demonstrated a firm commitment to local communities, reinforcing his profile as a figure close to the needs of the Latin American people.
Moreover, since 2023 he has been President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a role that allowed him to coordinate efforts between the Vatican and the churches of the region. This experience, together with his time at the Dicastery for Bishops, strengthened his leadership and earned him respect within the College of Cardinals.
Ecclesiastical career
Prevost Martínez was ordained a priest in 1982 in Rome, within the Order of Saint Augustine, and since then has held various ecclesiastical positions, both in the United States and abroad. Between 2001 and 2013 he was the Prior General of his order, and in 2014 he was named titular bishop of Sufar.
His career took a global turn when he was called to the Vatican to head the Dicastery for Bishops, from where he actively participated in the selection and oversight of bishops around the world. In 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal, thus giving him the opportunity to participate in the conclave that elected him as his successor.
A new direction for the Church
The election of a new Latin American pope with an intercultural and pastoral vision could mark a new stage in the Catholic Church, especially regarding the inclusion of traditionally marginalized communities. Leo XIV has been described as a defender of dialogue, active listening, and decentralization—values that could bring about significant changes in the ecclesial structure.
In Houston, where thousands of faithful actively follow the Vatican’s decisions, the appointment has been received as a sign of renewal. Some local parishes have already begun organizing gatherings and special Masses in honor of the new pontiff.
The Hispanic community in Houston reacts
The appointment of a new Latin American pope has had a strong echo among Houston’s Hispanic communities. At St. Paul Cathedral and other churches in the metropolitan area, vigils and thanksgiving Masses were held. Believers interviewed by local media expressed pride in seeing a man who has worked in Latin America and who understands Hispanic culture now leading the Church.
Additionally, local Catholic organizations, such as Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, have highlighted Leo XIV’s career as an inspiration for Hispanic youth and an example of committed service.
Leo XIV: What to expect from his papacy?
Although it is early to know the exact direction his leadership will take, Leo XIV has expressed his desire to continue promoting inclusion, human dignity, and the Church’s social mission. His election as a new Latin American pope could strengthen the relationship between the Vatican and Hispanic communities across the continent, including the millions of Catholics in the United States.
For Houston, this represents an opportunity to further strengthen the bond between faith and the cultural identity of its growing Latino population.
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