The Vatican has announced that the new pope of Rome is named Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, who has chosen the name Leo XIV. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, this cardinal of American origin belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine.
Robert Francis Prevost Martínez is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, born in Spain, who passed on the surname that today resonates in Latin American countries. Although Martínez has Spanish origins, it is one of the most common surnames in countries like Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile, creating a special connection with the new pontiff in the region.
As the successor of Saint Peter, Leo XIV represents a familiar figure for millions of Latin American Catholics, embodying a bridge between cultures and traditions within the Catholic Church. His relationship with Latin America goes beyond the name, as he was a missionary in Peru for over 30 years, engaging in intense pastoral work.
The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, not only marks a new chapter in the history of the church but also surprises with his second surname, Martínez, widely recognized in Latin America. In 2015, he acquired Peruvian nationality, reflecting his deep bond with the Andean country, and in 2023, he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis, having previously served as provincial prior of the Augustinians and later as bishop of Chiclayo.
