Mathematician And Tennis Fan: Five Curious Facts About The New Pope

• 9.05.2025, 16:34

Robert Prevost has been called "the least American" among American cardinals.

The day before, a conclave at the Vatican announced that the new pope was Robert Prevost of the United States. He took the name Leo XIV. Office Life has selected five curious facts about the pontiff.

"NAME AMERICAN" AMERICAN

Leo XIV became the first pope in history from the United States. And the second after the recently deceased Francis in 1,200 years not from Europe. Curiously, he has been called the "least American" among American cardinals. The fact is that although Robert Prevost was born in Chicago, he spent most of his life in Peru. Among other things, for more than 10 years he headed the Augustinian seminary in the city of Trujillo.

The 69-year-old cardinal has dual citizenship - the United States and Peru. He speaks fluent English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese, and reads Latin and German.

MATHEMATICAL EDUCATION

Robert Francis Prevost holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the prestigious Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He also holds a master's degree in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

>MEMBER OF THE ORDEN OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Leo XIV is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and served as its Superior General for more than 10 years. By the way, in his first speech, the pontiff quoted St. Augustine's famous phrase: "With you I am a Christian, but for you I am a bishop." The point is that all people in the church hierarchy - from leaders to ordinary members - should walk side by side.

The new pontiff's views are considered close to Francis' vision of the environment, service to the poor and migrants. He supports the idea of allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion. Robert Prevost was also involved in one of the most important reforms of Francis' pontificate - the inclusion of three women on the panel that votes on bishops nominated for the pope's approval.

Just a year ago he became a cardinal

In January 2023, Pope Francis appointed Robert Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the key office responsible for appointing bishops around the world.

In September of that year, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal, given the title of cardinal deacon of St. Monica's Church in Rome. But the official assumption of the title did not take place until January 28, 2024. And just a year later, he assumed the highest position in the Vatican.

FAN OF TENNIS

The new pope has repeatedly described himself as an amateur tennis player and has made no secret of his interest in the sport. True, he has noted that since leaving Peru he has had less time for training.