Pope Leo XIV: First American Pontiff Brings Global Voice for the Elderly and Long-Term Care
In a moment rich with symbolism and global resonance, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born pope in history. But beyond the headlines of geography and tradition, Leo XIV's elevation signals something deeper: a pastoral heart steeped in service to the elderly and the vulnerable, and a quiet legacy of advocacy for those often left behind—including those in long-term care.
His name choice alone, Leo XIV, nods to Pope Leo XIII, the late 19th-century pope known for championing the rights of workers and the poor. Similarly, Leo XIV brings to the papacy not only administrative experience and theological depth but also a demonstrated commitment to pastoral care, intergenerational dignity, and support for aging populations—an issue gaining urgency in the 21st century.
From Chicago to Peru: A Global Pastoral Journey
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Robert Prevost entered the Augustinian order in the 1970s and began missionary work in Peru in 1985. He would spend nearly two decades ministering in impoverished and aging communities, eventually becoming a naturalized Peruvian citizen.
Locals nicknamed him the "Latin Yankee"—a priest who blended cultural roots with a deep sensitivity to the needs of all people, especially older adults.
Prevost's time in Peru, and later as bishop of Chiclayo, shaped a leadership style grounded in listening, service, and proximity to those often marginalized—including aging parishioners, retirees, and caregivers.
In his pastoral role, he regularly visited homebound seniors and supported parish-based elder outreach programs, quietly developing a reputation for championing the dignity of those in their later years.
A Historic Papal Election
When Pope Francis passed away, the global Church entered a solemn period of reflection. Few expected the conclave to turn toward Prevost so swiftly, yet within two days, the cardinals elected him pope. Fluent in five languages and experienced as the Vatican's Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he was seen as a bridge-builder—between hemispheres, between conservatives and progressives, and between generations.
Stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful in Italian and Spanish, referencing both his Chicago roots and his beloved Diocese of Chiclayo. He emphasized a Church open to "all people" and invoked peace and unity.
It was a message that resonated widely, especially with Catholic healthcare advocates and eldercare leaders who see in him a papal ally for aging issues.
Compassion for the Aging: From Chicago, to Peru to the Papacy
Throughout his ministry, Prevost demonstrated an instinctive concern for older adults. As bishop in Peru, he prioritized ministries to the homebound and the poor, many of whom were aging. He understood that aging populations in developing and developed nations alike faced common threats: loneliness, lack of access to healthcare, and social invisibility.
As head of the Augustinian order and later as Prefect in Rome, he continued this focus in broader terms. He supported Pope Francis's 2021 establishment of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and echoed Francis's condemnation of what both men have called a "throwaway culture" that sidelines seniors.
Leo XIV has also affirmed the Church's stance on preserving dignity at every stage of life. As Prefect, he was instrumental in ensuring bishop appointments included leaders who were active in elder ministry and social justice. He supported initiatives encouraging dioceses to expand pastoral care for nursing homes and aging communities, and he promoted the inclusion of older Catholics in synodal dialogues about the Church's future.
In one 2023 Vatican address, he referenced the need to care for "those in difficulty, those often forgotten, including the elderly who suffer in silence." He emphasized that long-term care and home-based support systems are, “not merely medical concerns, but acts of love and justice."
A New Chapter for Long-Term Care Advocacy
Now, as Pope Leo XIV, he inherits a rapidly aging global Catholic population and rising demands for pastoral and ethical leadership on elder care, dementia, and end-of-life issues. Analysts say his approach will likely build on the groundwork of Pope Francis, who frequently condemned elder neglect and supported intergenerational solidarity.
Healthcare ministries, Catholic eldercare networks, and long-term care professionals are already expressing hope.
We have a pope who not only understands the spiritual needs of aging adults but who has walked beside them for decades.
Leo XIV is also expected to reinforce the Vatican's partnership with global institutions like the World Health Organization and AARP on aging-related initiatives. Catholic bioethics leaders expect renewed Vatican guidance on dementia care, assisted living ethics, and palliative support.
Outlook: A Pontificate Rooted in Pastoral Reality
At 69, Pope Leo XIV assumes the papacy at an age where most people begin contemplating retirement. But his outlook is far from inward. Instead, he brings forward the vision of a Church rooted in proximity, humility, and the Gospel call to serve.
In his first public address as pope, Leo XIV declared, "Let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church."
For many older adults around the world—whether homebound, in assisted living, or simply struggling to find their place in a fast-paced world—that message is already being heard loud and clear.
As the Church moves into a new chapter, Pope Leo XIV offers not only a historic first as an American pope, but also the potential for a papacy that places aging, caregiving, and long-term care squarely at the heart of its global mission.
VATICAN CITY, May 8, 2025 —