Life & Ministry
Biography of Pope Leo XIV
From his humble beginnings in Chicago to his historic election as the first American Pope
Early Life in Chicago
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois to a family with rich cultural heritage. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, had French and Italian roots and served as a catechist. His mother, Mildred Martínez, was of Spanish descent and known for her warm hospitality, often welcoming priests into their family home.
Young Robert was deeply influenced by his early experiences with the Church. He served as an altar boy and attended the parish school, where he developed a strong foundation in faith. The steady stream of clergy who visited his home and his father's example as a catechist helped shape his early understanding of religious service.
His multilingual household would later prove valuable in his global ministry, as he grew up with exposure to different cultures and languages, reflecting the universal nature of the Church he would one day lead.
Education and Formation
Prevost's academic journey began at the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine, where he completed his secondary studies in 1973. He then pursued higher education at Villanova University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977, demonstrating his aptitude for analytical thinking that would later serve him well in leadership positions.
After discerning his vocation to the priesthood, he joined the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) in September 1977, taking his first vows in September 1978 and his solemn vows in August 1981. This commitment to the Augustinian order would shape his spirituality and approach to ministry throughout his life.
Prevost continued his studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1982, the same year he was ordained to the priesthood. He then pursued advanced studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, earning both a Licentiate (1984) and a Doctorate (1987). His doctoral thesis, "The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine," foreshadowed his future leadership roles within the order and the Church.
Ministry in Peru
Prevost's connection to Peru began in 1985 when he joined the Augustinian mission there, serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prélature of Chulucanas until 1986. After a brief return to the United States, he went back to Peru in 1988 for what would become a decade of transformative ministry.
During these ten years in Trujillo, Peru, Prevost took on multiple roles that demonstrated his administrative abilities and pastoral heart. He headed the Augustinian seminary, taught canon law in the diocesan seminary, and served as prefect of studies. His expertise in canon law was recognized as he served as a judge of the regional ecclesiastical court and as a member of the college of consultors of Trujillo.
Beyond his administrative and academic roles, Prevost maintained a direct connection with the faithful by leading a congregation on the outskirts of Trujillo. This combination of leadership responsibilities and direct pastoral work gave him a comprehensive understanding of the Church's mission and challenges in Latin America, a perspective that would prove valuable in his later global roles.
His time in Peru culminated years later when Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015, after he had served as apostolic administrator of the diocese since 2014. This return to Peru deepened his connection to the country and its people, eventually leading to his acquisition of Peruvian citizenship, making him a dual citizen of the United States and Peru.
Leadership in the Augustinian Order
Prevost's leadership abilities were recognized early in his religious life. In 1998, he was elected provincial of the Augustinian Province of Chicago, returning to the United States to assume this position in March 1999. This role marked the beginning of a series of significant leadership positions that would shape his administrative approach.
His most significant leadership role came in 2001 when he was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, the highest position within the order worldwide. This six-year term was renewed in 2007, giving him a total of twelve years at the helm of the Augustinian community globally. This experience provided him with extensive international exposure and honed his abilities to lead a diverse religious community across cultural boundaries.
Upon completing his second term as Prior General in 2013, Prevost returned to Chicago where he served as director of formation in the Convent of St. Augustine, as well as first councilor and provincial vicar of the province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, which covers the midwestern United States.
Throughout these leadership roles, Prevost developed a reputation for thoughtful decision-making, attentive listening, and a collaborative approach to governance—qualities that would later be valued in his episcopal ministry and Vatican service.
Vatican Service and Elevation to Cardinal
Pope Francis recognized Prevost's administrative talents and pastoral experience when he appointed him as a member of the Congregation for the Clergy in July 2019. This appointment was followed by his naming as a member of the Congregation for Bishops in November 2020, signaling the Pope's trust in Prevost's judgment regarding episcopal appointments.
On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a pivotal role in the Vatican that oversees the selection of bishops worldwide. This appointment placed him at the center of the Church's governance, giving him significant influence over the future leadership of dioceses globally. Simultaneously, he was named president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, reflecting his deep connection to the region.
In recognition of his service and important position, Pope Francis created Prevost a cardinal on September 30, 2023, assigning him the title of cardinal-deacon of Santa Monica degli Agostiniani Church in Rome. On February 6, 2025, Pope Francis further promoted him to cardinal-bishop, assigning him to the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano in the Province of Rome, one of the highest ranks within the College of Cardinals.
His service as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops until Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, positioned him prominently among the cardinals entering the conclave. His experience, multilingual abilities, and unique perspective as both an American and Peruvian made him a notable figure in the papal election that would follow.
Papal Election - May 8, 2025
The Conclave
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the College of Cardinals gathered in Rome for the conclave. The voting began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinal electors participating.
On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that a new pope had been elected. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had secured the necessary two-thirds majority (at least 89 votes).
When asked what name he would take as pope, he chose "Leo XIV," a name carrying significant historical and symbolic meaning, linking him to predecessors known for theological clarity and social engagement.
First Appearance
When Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran made the traditional "Habemus Papam" announcement from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, he proclaimed that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had been elected and had taken the name Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV then appeared on the balcony, greeting the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. His election was historic as he became the first American to be elected pope, breaking a long tradition of European pontiffs that was only briefly interrupted by Pope Francis, who was from Argentina.
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