10 unexpected facts about the new Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has become the first Pope from the United States. He was not among the favorites whose candidacies were considered likely ahead of the conclave to elect a new pontiff of the Catholic Church. And for many, he still remains a "dark horse." Here are 10 things to know about Robert Prevost, who is currently Pope Leo XIV.

Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, is known as a leader with global experience. He spent most of his career as a missionary in South America, and most recently headed the influential Vatican office for bishop appointments. His election, CNN notes, symbolizes continuity with the papacy of the late Pope Francis, and he is expected to continue the church reforms initiated by Francis, as well as his efforts to combat poverty and marginalized populations.

Here's what else you should know about the new American pontiff:

1. He was the "least American" of the American cardinals

Prevost was born in Chicago. But in the Vatican, where he eventually lived and worked, he was considered the "least American" of the U.S. cardinals. For ten years, he worked in Peru, in Trujillo, and was later appointed bishop of Chiclayo, another Peruvian city, where he served from 2014 to 2023.

The new pope speaks Spanish and Italian fluently, which he demonstrated during his first public address in St. Peter's Square.

2. He was highly respected by Pope Francis

The late Pope Francis "respected him and thought very highly of him," according to CNN Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb. "Obviously, Pope Francis saw something in him - he saw him as a capable leader."

Lamb met the new Pope Leo XIV when he was a cardinal and claims he met "a very thoughtful and measured person." Overall, he seemed reserved to him.

3. He is a member of the Augustinian order

Pope Leo is a member of the Augustinian religious order, which is spread throughout the world. He led the order for more than ten years as its prior.

In his first speeches, the new pontiff said that he is a son of St. Augustine, and he quoted this saint's famous phrase: "For you I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian." This reflects the idea that all people in the church hierarchy – from leaders to ordinary parishioners – go hand in hand.

4. He has extensive leadership experience

Pope Francis appointed Prevost as prefect of the episcopal dicastery, which is responsible for evaluating candidates for bishops and making recommendations for new appointments. He also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

"From a very early age, he was appointed to leadership positions," notes Elisa Allen, CNN Vatican analyst. "He is considered a calm and balanced person, impartial and with a very clear idea of what he thinks should be done... But he doesn't show excessive persistence in trying to achieve it."

5. He has a missionary focus

"I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like the vocation of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to preach the Gospel wherever he may be," Prevost said in an interview with Vatican News shortly after he took a leadership position in Rome.

Once in an interview, he said that his life experience gained in