Robert Prevost: On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church welcomed a historic moment as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This marked a groundbreaking event, as he became the first American-born pontiff and the first from the Augustinian order. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, Prevost’s journey to the papacy is a story of dedication, global service, and spiritual leadership.
Early Life and Background
Robert Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family in Chicago’s south suburbs. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was a World War II Navy veteran and educator, while his mother, Mildred Martínez, was a librarian of Spanish descent. With roots tracing back to French, Italian, and Afro-Haitian ancestry, Robert Prevost’s diverse heritage shaped his worldview. As a young boy, he served as an altar boy and was deeply involved in his local parish, St. Mary of the Assumption. He pursued mathematics at Villanova University, graduating in 1977, and later earned a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. His academic journey culminated in a doctorate in canon law from Rome’s Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas.
A Missionary Heart in Peru
Robert Prevost’s calling led him to the Order of Saint Augustine, where he took his vows in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. His life took a transformative turn in 1985 when he joined an Augustinian mission in Peru. Over two decades, he served as a missionary, parish pastor, and seminary teacher, earning Peruvian citizenship in 2015. His work in marginalized communities earned him the nickname “saint of the north” in Peru. From 2015 to 2023, he served as the Bishop of Chiclayo, fostering dialogue and social justice, values that echoed the mission of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Rise to Prominence
Robert Prevost’s leadership extended beyond Peru. He served as Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013, overseeing its global operations. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican role responsible for vetting bishop nominations worldwide. That same year, Francis elevated him to cardinal, signaling his growing influence. Robert Prevost’s role in implementing Francis’s reform—adding women to the bishop nomination voting bloc—highlighted his commitment to inclusivity.
Becoming Pope Leo XIV
Elected after just four ballots in the 2025 conclave, Robert Prevost was a compromise candidate, admired for his balanced approach. His choice of the name Leo XIV nods to Pope Leo XIII, known for social teaching, and Leo I, a defender of faith. In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, he emphasized peace, dialogue, and a missionary church, saying, “Peace be with you all.” His episcopal motto, In illo uno unum (“In Christ who is one, we are one”), reflects his vision of unity.
Challenges and Vision
As Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost inherits a church grappling with divisions, sexual abuse scandals, and debates over social issues. While he supports Francis’s focus on the poor and marginalized, he has expressed conservative views, opposing women’s ordination and critiquing media portrayals of alternative lifestyles. His leadership will likely blend continuity with Francis’s reforms and a nuanced approach to global challenges.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is a milestone for the Catholic Church, bridging North and South America. His journey from Chicago to Peru to the Vatican embodies a life of service, poised to guide 1.4 billion Catholics with humility and purpose.
