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On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

His election marks several historic firsts: he is the first American-born pope, the first member of the Augustinian Order to ascend to the papacy, and the first pope to hold dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, center, is seen for the first time from the Vatican balcony on May 8
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, center, is seen for the first time from the Vatican balcony on May 8

Early Life and Academic Foundation

Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian ancestry, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent.

He grew up in the suburb of Dolton, immersed in a devout Catholic community. His family was active in parish life—his mother was a lector and a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, and both parents were pillars of their local church.

Prevost attended the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers, then earned a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from Villanova University in 1977. He joined the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) the same year and took his solemn vows in 1981.

In 1982, at the age of 26, he was ordained a priest in Rome by Archbishop Jean Jadot. He then pursued graduate studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), obtaining his licentiate in 1984 and his doctorate in 1987. His doctoral thesis focused on the role of local priors in the Augustinian Order—a topic reflecting his lifelong dedication to community leadership.

Read more: Why the New Pope Chose to Be Leo XIV: Meaning, History, and Message

Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica

Missionary Service in Peru: Grassroots to Governance

Prevost's most formative years were spent in Peru, beginning in 1985. Over the next 14 years, he served in some of the country’s most underserved regions. He began in Chulucanas, then moved to Trujillo, where he took on multiple simultaneous roles:

  • Community prior (1988–1992)

  • Director of formation (1988–1998)

  • Instructor for professed Augustinians

  • Judicial Vicar of Trujillo Archdiocese (1989–1998)

  • Professor at the San Carlos y San Marcelo Seminary, teaching Canon Law, Patristics, and Moral Theology

He also ministered to impoverished neighborhoods as pastor of Our Lady Mother of the Church, which later became the Parish of Saint Rita, and administered Our Lady of Monserrat parish from 1992 to 1999.

His leadership skills and missionary commitment earned him the post of Provincial Prior for the Augustinian Province of Chicago in 1999. In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, re-elected in 2007, and served until 2013. This made him the international leader of all Augustinians worldwide.

Return to Peru and Rise to the Episcopate

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. He was consecrated bishop on December 12, 2014—Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe—and formally installed in 2015. As bishop, he prioritized:

  • Clergy formation and discipline

  • Youth catechesis and education

  • Outreach to the poor

  • Cultural and educational renewal

He was later appointed Vice-President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference and served on its Economic Council and as Chair of the Commission for Culture and Education. In 2020, he became Apostolic Administrator of Callao, a second diocese in crisis.

Vatican Leadership: Dicastery for Bishops and Cardinalate

Recognized for his clarity, humility, and administrative expertise, Prevost was called to Rome in January 2023 as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—one of the Vatican’s most powerful roles, responsible for appointing bishops globally. He also became:

  • President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America

  • Member of eight Vatican dicasteries including Evangelization, Doctrine of the Faith, Clergy, and Culture

He was created Cardinal in September 2024, assigned the diaconate of Saint Monica—symbolic of his Augustinian roots. In February 2025, Pope Francis elevated him to the Order of Bishops, giving him the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano.

Election as Pope Leo XIV in 2025

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the papal conclave began. Within 24 hours, Cardinal Prevost emerged as the surprise choice. On May 8, 2025, he was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and chose the name Leo XIV.

His election is historic for several reasons:

  • First American-born pope

  • First pope from the Augustinian Order

  • Second pontiff from the Americas, after Pope Francis

  • First pope with dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship

Why Did He Choose the Name “Leo XIV”?

The name Leo has deep significance in Catholic history. Pope Leo I (the Great) famously persuaded Attila the Hun to spare Rome and defended Church doctrine during turbulent times. Leo XIII was a major intellectual reformer and the author of Rerum Novarum, the Church’s seminal document on workers’ rights and social justice.

By choosing “Leo,” Pope Leo XIV signals:

  • A commitment to doctrinal clarity and moral courage

  • A nod to social reform and workers' dignity

  • Continuity with the intellectual rigor of his namesakes

Who Is Pope Leo XIV? Biography, Origin, and Legacy of the First American Pope
Pope Leo XIII

Global Reactions and Public Perception

  • United States: Leaders from both parties congratulated him. President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama praised the historic nature of the moment.

  • Peru: Celebrations erupted in Chiclayo and Trujillo. Catholic communities considered him “one of their own.”

  • Europe and the Vatican: Many cardinals appreciated his balance of pastoral warmth and institutional discipline.

  • Online and Pop Culture: Social media dubbed him the “Pope from Chicago,” with memes and tributes celebrating his humility and intellect.

Vision and Priorities of Pope Leo XIV

  • Clerical reform: Strengthening accountability and transparency in dioceses

  • Youth and culture: Engaging the younger generation through education and digital outreach

  • Global synodality: Expanding decision-making participation among clergy and laity

  • Doctrinal fidelity: Upholding traditional Church teaching while pursuing social inclusion

FAQs About Pope Leo XIV

1. Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Pope Leo XIV is the papal name of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first American and Augustinian to become pope, elected in 2025.

2. Where is Pope Leo XIV from?

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and also holds Peruvian citizenship due to decades of missionary work in Peru.

3. What is Pope Leo XIV's background?

He is a canon law expert, former bishop in Peru, and previously served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican.

4. Why did he choose the name Leo XIV?

The name reflects inspiration from Popes Leo I and Leo XIII, symbolizing courage, social justice, and doctrinal strength.

5. What are Pope Leo XIV’s top priorities?

Church unity, youth evangelization, transparency in Church governance, and deeper global synodality are expected to shape his pontificate.

6. Is Pope Leo XIV conservative or progressive?

He is considered a centrist—socially compassionate like Pope Francis, but doctrinally traditional on core teachings.