Pope Leo XIV Will 'Continue The Legacy Of Francis': Hofstra Professor

HEMPSTEAD, NY — The new pope is the first pope from the United States. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is now known as Pope Leo XIV.

The 69-year-old pontiff was born in Chicago and went to Villanova University. But despite the historic selection, "he's the least American of the Americans," papal expert and Hofstra University religion professor Dr. Phyllis Zagano said.

Leo spent more than a decade working to build his ministry in Peru, where he also became a citizen.

While most people were stunned by Prevost's elevation to pope, Zagano had the new pope on her radar.

"Two months ago he was promoted to Cardinal Bishop," she said. He was first named Cardinal Deacon in 2023, a role that brought him to the Vatican to head vetting bishop nominations.

His wealth of knowledge in the church from the Vatican to around the world makes him "a qualified man. He understands geopolitics. He understands internal church questions and relations."

By taking on the name Leo XIV, Zagano said, it's an homage to Leo XIII, who led the Catholic Church from 1878-1903. He famously wrote the Encyclical, Rerum novarum: on Capital and Labor, in response to the Industrial Revolution.

"We have someone now who, it can be assumed, wishes to continue and expand Catholic social teaching, which means bringing the gospel to the farthest places of the world, to the poor, certainly to women, and I think will continue the legacy of Francis," Zagano said.