Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American to hold the papacy.
A Brief About ‘ OurWorldGist
His election on May 8, 2025, marks a historic moment in the Church’s 2,000-year history.
Prevost was born to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish heritage.
He pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at Villanova University, graduating in 1977.
That same year, he entered the Order of Saint Augustine, making his first profession in 1978 and solemn vows in 1981.
He earned a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and later studied canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome .
Missionary Work and Ecclesiastical Roles
Ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, Prevost dedicated much of his ministry to Peru, serving as a missionary, seminary teacher, and parish priest.
He was appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in 2014 and became its bishop in 2015.
In 2020, he also served as apostolic administrator of Callao.
His leadership extended to roles within the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, including vice president and head of its Commission for Education and Culture .
Vatican Service and Rise to the Papacy
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, entrusting him with the crucial task of overseeing global bishop appointments.
He was elevated to cardinal later that year. His extensive experience and reputation for balanced leadership made him a prominent figure in the 2025 conclave, leading to his election as pope .
Papal Name and Vision
Choosing the name Leo XIV, Prevost aligns himself with a legacy of strong papal leadership. His selection reflects a commitment to unity and continuity within the Church, emphasizing pastoral care and inclusivity.
In his first address, he conveyed a message of peace and expressed a desire to build bridges within a diverse and evolving global Catholic community .
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is anticipated to continue the reformative path of his predecessor, addressing contemporary challenges while fostering a spirit of compassion and dialogue within the Church.
