Overcoming a long-standing taboo against electing a U.S. pontiff, on May 8, 2025, the College of Cardinals announced they had selected Chicagoan Robert Francis Prevost to serve as the 267th pope and shepherd of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. This remarkable, beautifully illustrated keepsake edition looks at Pope Leo XIV and the legacy he inherits. A confidant of Pope Francis, Leo brings a unique set of skills and perspective to the papacy. In addition to being from the United States, he has deep ties to South America, having worked and lived in Peru for two decades, and is a member of the St. Augustine order. Augustines take a vow of poverty and dedicate themselves to service. Said Pope Leo XIV in his first public remarks: “We can be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone—just like in this square, to welcome everyone, in charity, dialogue and love.
