Robert Prevost, the Chicago-born missionary, was elected the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church.

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.

Robert Prevost has been named the new pope. But why did he opt to select the title Leo XIV? Here's a closer look at its history.