Soft-spoken Prevost is first pope from the United States

French cardinal proto-deacon Dominique Mamberti announces the name of the new pope at the St Peter's Basilica. [Tiziana Fabi, AFP]

Robert Francis Prevost, the first pope from the United States, has a history of missionary work in Peru but also a keen grasp of the inner workings of the Church.

The new Leo XIV, a Chicago native, was entrusted by his predecessor Francis to head the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, charged with advising the pontiff on new bishop appointments.