Pope Leo XIV: Biography, Salary, Age, and LGBTQ Stance

When the white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, the world learned a new name: Leo XIV, the man behind it having spent decades far from the spotlight as a missionary in Peru and a cardinal in the Vatican’s bureaucracy. This article traces his journey from Chicago to the Chair of Saint Peter, and answers the questions many are asking about his nationality, age, salary, and views on LGBTQ issues.

Papal Name: Leo XIV ·
Birth Name: Robert Francis Prevost ·
Born: September 14, 1955 ·
Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA ·
Elected Pope: May 8, 2025 ·
Predecessor: Pope Francis

Eight key facts, one pattern: from a Chicago childhood to the highest office in the Catholic Church, Leo XIV’s biography is both conventional and historic.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

What is Pope Leo XIV’s real name?

• The 267th pope of the Catholic Church was born Robert Francis Prevost, according to the Holy See (the central governing authority of the Catholic Church).
• He chose the papal name Leo XIV upon his election on May 8, 2025 (Holy See).

Where was Pope Leo XIV born?

• Vatican News reports that Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on September 14, 1955.

How old is Pope Leo XIV?

• He was 69 years old at the time of his election in May 2025 (Vatican News).

The pattern: Leo XIV’s journey from the Midwest to the Vatican represents a demographic milestone for the Catholic Church.

What nationality is Pope Leo?

Is Pope Leo the first American pope?

• Yes, Leo XIV is the first pope born in the United States, as confirmed by Villanova University (his alma mater) and Vatican News.

What is Pope Leo’s citizenship?

• He holds U.S. citizenship and also holds Peruvian citizenship due to his years as a missionary in Peru (Vatican News).

“Leo XIV is the second Roman Pontiff from the Americas, after Pope Francis.”

Vatican News

The implication: Leo XIV’s dual citizenship underscores the global nature of his pastoral experience.

Does Pope Leo believe in LGBTQ?

What is Pope Leo’s stance on same-sex marriage?

• As of May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has not made any explicit public statements on LGBTQ issues since his election, according to available Vatican press briefings.
• As a conservative Augustinian, he is expected to adhere to traditional Catholic doctrine, which opposes same-sex marriage (Catholic Standard (a respected U.S. Catholic newspaper)).

How does Pope Leo’s view compare to Pope Francis?

• Pope Francis took a more pastoral tone on LGBTQ issues, famously saying “Who am I to judge?” Leo XIV has not offered any comparable remarks.

The catch: any future statements will be closely watched given the contrast with his predecessor’s tone.

Why did pope pick Leo?

What does the name Leo symbolize?

• The name Leo (Latin for lion) has been borne by 13 previous popes, including Leo the Great (Leo I) and Leo XIII, both known for strong leadership.
• Pope Leo XIV reportedly chose the name to honor those predecessors and to signal strength and courage.

How is a papal name chosen?

• A pope selects his regnal name after election, often invoking a saint or previous pope whose virtues he admires. The tradition dates back centuries.

The pattern: Leo XIV’s name choice aligns with his Augustinian formation and desire for clear doctrinal leadership.

Does a pope get a salary?

What is the papal salary?

• Popes do not receive a personal salary. The Vatican covers all expenses for the pope’s household, travel, and official duties (Holy See).

Does Pope Leo XIV receive a salary?

• Like his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV does not take a paycheck. He receives a monthly stipend for incidental expenses.

What happened to the $8.65 windfall?

• Reports from Fortune (a leading business magazine) and other outlets claim that Pope Leo XIV, when he was still Cardinal Prevost, left $8.65 in the pocket of an old jacket. The story has been used to illustrate his personal frugality.

What this means: the windfall anecdote reinforces the perception of a frugal pope but lacks official confirmation.

How old is Pope Leo XIV?

What is Pope Leo XIV’s date of birth?

• September 14, 1955, according to the Holy See and Catholic Standard.

How long can a pope serve?

• Popes serve for life, though they may resign (as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013). Leo XIV is 69 as of 2025, which is relatively young for a pope.

The implication: at 69, Leo XIV could potentially serve for two decades, shaping the Church’s direction for a generation.

Timeline: Pope Leo XIV’s path to the papacy

For more details, see Robert Prevost: Biography, Politics, Why He Became Pope Leo XIV.

“I am a son of the Church, formed in the Augustinian tradition, and I come to this service with humility and trust.”

Pope Leo XIV, first public address, via Vatican News

“The pope’s needs are taken care of by the Holy See; he has no personal salary.”

Vatican spokesperson, as quoted in Catholic Standard

For American Catholics, the election of Pope Leo XIV means direct representation in the papacy for the first time. The choice is clear: embrace a pope from your own soil, or watch closely to see if his American roots reshape Vatican priorities. For the rest of the world, the question is whether a pope from a superpower will bring a different style — or simply continue the Francis era with a quieter tone.

Related reading: Robert Prevost: Biography, Politics, Why He Became Pope Leo XIV

For a deeper look into his background and views, see Pope Leo XIVs biography and LGBTQ stance.

Frequently asked questions

In other news, Prince George Turns 12: The Royal Rule That Changes Everything.