LOOK: Leo XIV, the first pontiff from US, is also a Peruvian citizen

In this photo released by the Diocese of Chulucanas, Bishop Robert Prevost leads the celebration anniversary of the Diocese in Chulucanas, Peru, Aug. 12, 2024. —Diocese of Chulucanas via the Associated Press

Pope Francis brought Robert Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. On Thursday, he ascended to become Pope Leo XIV — the first pope from the US.

Prevost, 69, had to overcome the taboo against a US pope, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States in the secular sphere.

The Chicago native is also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop. /atm

READ: Robert Francis Prevost of US is new pope, takes name Leo XIV

In this photo released by the Diocese of Chulucanas, Bishop Robert Prevost leads an anniversary celebration of the Diocese in Chulucanas, Peru, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. —Diocese of Chulucanas via the Associated Press