Pope Leo XIV: Soft-spoken American spent decades amid poor

Robert Francis Prevost, the first pope from the United States, has a history of missionary work in Peru but his powerful role within the Roman Curia has also given him a keen grasp of the inner workings of the Church.

The new Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, was entrusted by his predecessor Francis to head the Dicastery for Bishops, a key Vatican department that advises the pontiff on appointments.

That role allowed the mild-mannered Prevost, 69, to become known by cardinals within the Curia...