Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, marking a historic moment as the first American-born pope and a leader with deep roots in both the United States and Latin America. His election comes at a pivotal time for the Church, as it faces internal reforms, global challenges, and the ongoing legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he attended the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine, graduating in 1973. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, before entering the Augustinian novitiate later that year. Prevost took his first vows in 1978 and made his solemn vows in 1981, subsequently receiving a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
His academic pursuits led him to Rome, where he studied at the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), earning a Licentiate in Canon Law in 1984 and a Doctorate in 1987, with a dissertation on the role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine.
Ordained a priest in Rome in 1982, Prevost began his ministry with the Augustinians, quickly distinguishing himself as a scholar and pastor. In 1985, he embarked on missionary work in Peru, serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prélature of Chulucanas and later as a seminary teacher, administrator, and parish pastor in Trujillo. His decade in Peru saw him take on multiple roles: community prior, director of formation, teacher, judicial vicar, and professor of canon law. He became a naturalized citizen of Peru in 2015, reflecting his deep connection to the country and its people.
Prevost returned to the United States in 1999 to become provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians. Just two years later, he was elected prior general of the worldwide Augustinian order, a position he held for two six-year terms (2001–2013). As prior general, he was responsible for overseeing Augustinian communities in nearly 50 countries, gaining a reputation for his pastoral sensitivity, administrative skill, and global perspective.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and he was consecrated bishop later that year. He became bishop of Chiclayo in 2015, serving a diverse diocese that included urban centers, shantytowns, and rural areas. Prevost also played a significant role in the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference, serving on its permanent council and as president of the Commission for Education and Culture.
Prevost’s experience in Latin America and his reputation for discernment led to his appointment as a member of the Congregation for the Clergy in 2019 and the Congregation for Bishops in 2020. In January 2023, Pope Francis named him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, making him responsible for the selection and oversight of bishops worldwide-a powerful and influential role within the Vatican. He was elevated to cardinal in September 2023 and later became cardinal-bishop of Albano.
Prevost’s election as pope was swift, with the conclave reaching a decision on the second day, signaling his status as a consensus candidate able to bridge divides within the College of Cardinals. He took the name Leo XIV, invoking a legacy of reform and engagement with the modern world.
Pope Leo XIV is seen as a centrist with a pastoral heart, closely aligned with the priorities of Pope Francis, particularly in championing the marginalized, migrants, and the poor. He is known for his industriousness, humility, and ability to listen-qualities that have earned him respect across the Church’s ideological spectrum. On doctrinal matters, he remains conservative, opposing the ordination of women as deacons, but is otherwise considered progressive on social outreach4.
His tenure will be shaped by the need to address the Church’s handling of clerical sexual abuse, internal governance reforms, and the Church’s role in a turbulent global landscape. He has faced criticism from survivor advocates regarding his handling of abuse allegations during his time in the Augustinian order and as bishop in Peru, issues that will likely remain in the spotlight during his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV’s ascension marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, bringing a blend of American pragmatism, Latin American pastoral experience, and Roman administrative acumen to the papacy. As the Church celebrates a jubilee year in 2025, all eyes will be on Leo XIV as he seeks to guide the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics through an era of both challenge and opportunity.
