Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

His election marks a series of historic firsts: he is the first pope from the United States, the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to be elected Bishop of Rome, and the second pontiff from the Americas, following his predecessor, Pope Francis.

A man of deep theological formation, pastoral experience, and cross-cultural mission, Leo XIV brings a global, humble, and reform-minded spirit to the papacy.

Early Life and Formation

Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish heritage. He grew up alongside his two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph, in a culturally diverse Catholic household.

His path to religious life began early. He studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and then at Villanova University, earning a degree in Mathematics in 1977 while also pursuing philosophical studies.

That same year, he entered the Augustinian novitiate in St. Louis and made his first profession on September 2, 1978. Three years later, on August 29, 1981, he made his solemn vows as an Augustinian.

Ordination and Academic Pursuits

Ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, at the Collegio Santa Monica in Rome by Archbishop Jean Jadot, Prevost continued his formation at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), where he earned a licentiate and later a doctorate in Canon Law. His thesis focused on the structure of leadership within the Augustinian order.

Missionary and Pastoral Work in Peru

From 1985 onward, Prevost dedicated himself to missionary work in Peru, first in Chulucanas and then in Trujillo, where he served for over a decade. His work ranged from formation and pastoral care to academic instruction and judicial ministry.

In Trujillo, he was a judicial vicar, professor of theology, and parish administrator, serving communities on the margins. He became known for his ability to meet the spiritual and material needs of the poor, often personally driving through floodwaters or repairing broken trucks to deliver aid.

Leadership in the Augustinian Order

Recognized for his integrity and leadership, Prevost was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago in 1999. In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the entire Order of Saint Augustine, a role he held for two six-year terms until 2013.

Return to Peru and Episcopal Ministry

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the episcopacy as Titular Bishop of Sufar. He was ordained bishop on December 12, 2014, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

He was named full Bishop of Chiclayo on September 26, 2015, and served until 2023. In the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, he held prominent positions, including Second Vice President and President of the Commission for Culture and Education.

Rise to the Roman Curia

Pope Francis recognized Prevost’s pastoral and administrative gifts by appointing him in 2023 as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops - the Vatican office that vets episcopal appointments globally. He was simultaneously named President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

As prefect, Prevost played a central role in Pope Francis’ reforms, including expanding lay participation, and participated in the Synod on Synodality and several of Francis’ apostolic journeys.

He was created Cardinal-Deacon of Saint Monica on September 30, 2024, and officially took possession of his title on January 28, 2025. On February 6, he was elevated to the Order of Bishops with the suburbicarian see of Albano, placing him among the Church’s most senior prelates.

Election as Pope

Amid a period of transition and reflection following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Prevost emerged as a unifying figure during the 2025 conclave, receiving the support of cardinals from across continents. His election broke long-standing expectations that an American might never be elected pope due to the geopolitical influence of the United States. However, Prevost’s dual American and Peruvian identity, combined with his global pastoral track record, helped transcend those concerns.

He chose the name Leo XIV, evoking the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, a pope known for his engagement with modern social issues and Catholic social teaching.

A Pope of Unity, Humility, and Mission

In his first words to the faithful as pope from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV greeted the world with: “Peace be with you.” His message emphasized reconciliation, dialogue, and missionary evangelization. He is widely seen as a spiritual successor to Pope Francis, committed to pastoral care, reform, and the inclusion of those on the Church’s margins.

His episcopal motto, “In Illo uno unum” (“In the One, we are one”), continues to guide him - a reminder that unity in Christ lies at the heart of his vision for the Church.

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