Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV. He grew up in Dolton and attended St. Mary of the Assumption. A childhood friend said maybe now that he's pope, their old church will be reopened.

Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first pope from the United States in the 2,000-year

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV — is the first pope from the United States. The 69-year-old from Chicago is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments.