Who Is Robert Prevost – Pope Leo XIV? A Brief Look At Who The New Pope Is
Early Life and Education
Born as Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he is the son of Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez. His father was of French and Italian descent, while his mother had Spanish heritage. Prevost has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph.
He pursued his early education at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and later attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, earning a degree in Mathematics in 1977. He also studied Philosophy during his time there.
Religious Vocation and Missionary Work
In 1978, Prevost entered the Order of Saint Augustine, taking his religious vows. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Jean Jadot. His commitment to missionary work led him to Peru, where he served in various capacities, including parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan official. His dedication to the Peruvian people earned him the affectionate title “saint of the north” for his closeness to the poor.
Leadership Roles within the Church
Prevost’s leadership qualities were recognized early on. He was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine in 2001, a position he held until 2013. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, and he became its bishop in 2015.
His contributions extended to the Vatican, where he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in September 2023.
Election to the Papacy
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, a conclave was convened. On May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV. His election is historic, marking him as the first American-born pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine.
Vision and Priorities
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with “Peace be with all of you,” emphasizing themes of unity, peace, and continuity with his predecessor’s mission. He is known for his commitment to social justice, pastoral outreach, and global unity.
Pope Leo XIV’s diverse background, including extensive missionary work in Latin America and leadership roles within the Vatican, positions him as a bridge between different cultures and traditions within the Catholic Church.
