Never in the history of the Roman Catholic Church has there been an American pope, until now. Cardinal Robert Prevost is originally from Chicago, and served as the head of the church's Dicastery for Bishops.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV — is the first pope from the United States. The 69-year-old from Chicago is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments.