On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election marks several firsts: the first American-born pope, the first member of the Augustinian order to ascend to the papacy in modern times, and a leader with deep ties to both North and South America. Pope Leo XIV’s diverse background and extensive experience in missionary work, education, and church governance position him uniquely to address the contemporary challenges facing the global Church.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a multicultural household with French, Spanish, and Italian heritage. His paternal grandmother, Suzanne Louise Marie Fontaine, was French, born in Le Havre, Normandy, and immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century . Raised in Dolton, a suburb of Chicago, Prevost was one of three brothers in a devout Catholic family.

He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Villanova University, graduating in 1977. That same year, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), making his solemn vows on August 29, 1981. He earned a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982 and was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982.

Furthering his education, Prevost studied canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, obtaining a Licentiate in 1984 and a Doctorate in 1987. His doctoral thesis focused on the role of the local prior in the Augustinian order.

Missionary Work in Peru

In 1985, Prevost began his missionary work in Peru, serving in Chulucanas and later in Trujillo. Over the next decade, he held various roles, including parish pastor, seminary professor, and formation director for Augustinian aspirants . His fluency in Spanish and deep commitment to the local communities earned him respect and admiration.

His experiences in Peru profoundly influenced his pastoral approach, emphasizing humility, service, and a preferential option for the poor. These values would later become central themes in his episcopal and papal ministries.

Leadership within the Augustinian Order

In 1999, Prevost was elected provincial prior of the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Chicago. Just two years later, in 2001, he was elected Prior General of the entire Augustinian order, a position he held until 2013 . During his tenure, he traveled extensively, visiting Augustinian communities worldwide, promoting vocations, and fostering unity within the order.

His leadership was marked by a commitment to education, intercultural dialogue, and the integration of the order’s charism into contemporary contexts. He emphasized the importance of community life, ongoing formation, and engagement with the laity.

Episcopal Ministry in Peru

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. He was consecrated as a bishop on December 12, 2014, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe . The following year, he was named the diocesan bishop, a role he fulfilled until 2023.

As Bishop of Chiclayo, Prevost focused on pastoral care, social justice, and the formation of clergy and laity. He worked to strengthen parish communities, support educational initiatives, and address issues such as poverty and environmental degradation.

In these roles, Prevost was responsible for overseeing the selection and appointment of bishops worldwide, a task requiring discernment, diplomacy, and a deep understanding of the Church’s diverse contexts. His approach was characterized by careful listening, collaboration, and a commitment to identifying pastoral leaders attuned to the needs of their communities.

On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis elevated Prevost to the College of Cardinals, assigning him the Deaconry of Santa Monica .

Election to the Papacy

Following the death of Pope Francis, the conclave convened in May 2025 to elect his successor. While Prevost was not widely considered a frontrunner, his reputation as a unifying figure with extensive international experience and a deep commitment to pastoral care resonated with many cardinals.

On the fourth ballot, he was elected pope, choosing the name Leo XIV in honor of Pope Leo XIII, known for his social teachings and engagement with the modern world.