Pope Leo XIV, 69, hails from Chicago, Illinois, USA. Before his election, he spent the majority of his ecclesiastical career engaged in missionary work in South America. From 2015 to 2023, he served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru.

In January 2023, he was appointed by Pope Francis as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops at the Vatican and was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in September of the same year.

In his first address as pope, Leo XIV expressed his deep gratitude to the College of Cardinals for entrusting him with the leadership of the Church.

He outlined his vision for the Roman Catholic Church as one that “builds bridges” and fosters open dialogue. “We must strive together to become a missionary Church. A Church that builds bridges and embraces dialogue,” the new pope emphasized.

He also called on everyone to "show charity to all" and to "dialogue with love."

Tran Thuong