The current pope is Pope Leo XIV , born Robert Francis Prevost, who became the 267th Bishop of Rome in May 2025. He is the first U.S.-born pope and took over after the death of Pope Francis, beginning his first full year as pope in 2026.

Quick Scoop: Who’s the “new pope”?

  • Name as pope: Leo XIV.
  • Birth name: Robert Francis Prevost.
  • Nationality: U.S.-born, from Chicago, making him the first pope from the United States.
  • Order: First pope from the Augustinian order.
  • Elected: Conclave in early May 2025, announced from St. Peter’s Basilica with the traditional “Habemus Papam.”
  • Pontificate now: In early 2026 he is settling into his own agenda after finishing the Jubilee events planned by Pope Francis.

What he’s like so far

  • Background in Peru: He previously served as a missionary and church leader in Peru and has close ties to the region.
  • Languages: In his first appearance he spoke Italian, Spanish, and Latin to address the crowd.
  • Priorities: Early signals suggest continuity with Pope Francis on issues like care for the poor, migrants, and the environment.
  • 2026 focus: He has begun meetings with cardinals about mission, Curia reform, synodality, and liturgy, and is launching teachings on Vatican II documents.

“Latest news” flavor

  • Jubilee wrap‑up: On January 6, 2026, he closed the Holy Door in Rome, marking the end of the Jubilee Year and the start of a new phase of his papacy.
  • Travel plans: Possible trips in 2026 include destinations in Africa (linked to St. Augustine’s life), Spain, and countries like Argentina or Uruguay.
  • Media and forums: Christian forums and Catholic media are actively debating what his election means for church politics, tradition vs. reform, and his perceived stance on global issues.

In forum-style threads, people are calling him “the American pope” and speculating whether he’ll lean more continuity or quiet reform, but most agree it’s still too early to fully define his papacy.

TL;DR: The “new pope” people are talking about is Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost), a U.S.-born Augustinian elected in May 2025, now starting his first full year leading the Catholic Church in 2026.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.