Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent American-born Catholic prelate who was elected pope in 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV
. Background and Early Life:
- Prevost has Franco-Italian and Spanish heritage.
- He joined the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982.
- He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University and advanced degrees in theology and canon law from institutions in Chicago and Rome
Missionary and Church Leadership:
- After ordination, Prevost spent many years as a missionary in Peru, serving as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, diocesan official, and bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023).
- He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, reflecting his deep ties to Latin America despite being American-born
- He was elected prior general of the Augustinian Order twice (2001–2013) and later appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America by Pope Francis in 2023
As Cardinal and Pope:
- Prevost was made a cardinal in 2023.
- Known for his moderate and pastoral approach, he aligns closely with many of Pope Francis's positions, particularly on social issues and church reforms, though he holds some conservative views on doctrine (e.g., opposing ordaining women as deacons)
- He was a vocal proponent of synodality and engaged with contemporary challenges such as climate change, migration, and church governance
- In May 2025, after a conclave lasting about 24 hours, he was elected the 267th pope and became the first pope born in the United States and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine
- He chose the papal name Leo XIV, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, reflecting a commitment to addressing modern social and technological challenges
In summary, Cardinal Robert Prevost is a Chicago-born Augustinian friar and missionary with strong ties to Latin America, who rose through church ranks to become prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was elected pope in 2025 as Pope Leo XIV, notable for being the first American pope and a leader with a blend of pastoral sensitivity and doctrinal conservatism
