On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, making history as the first American pope and the second pontiff from the Americas after Pope Francis.
Born in Chicago to a multicultural family, his journey from missionary work in Peru to leading the Catholic Church is a testament to his deep faith, administrative skill, and commitment to social justice.
This article explores his life, family, inauguration, and the significance of his papacy.
Early Life and Background
Parents and Family
Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost (a school principal and WWII veteran of French-Italian descent) and Mildred Agnes Martínez (a librarian of Louisiana Creole and Spanish ancestry).
His maternal grandparents were part of New Orleans’ Black Catholic community before moving to Chicago, where they identified as white to escape racial segregation.
Brothers
Pope Leo XIV has two older brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph. His multicultural background and upbringing in a devout Catholic household laid the foundation for his future in the Church.
- Louis Martín Prevost (who emotionally hugged him during his inauguration)
- John Joseph Prevost (who described the election as “overwhelming pride but also responsibility”)
Ethnicity and Nationality
- Ethnicity: Mixed French, Italian, Spanish, and Louisiana Creole.
- Nationality: U.S. citizen by birth, naturalized Peruvian (2015), and Vatican citizen (2023).
Education and Early Career
Education and Religious Formation
Prevost attended St. Augustine Seminary High School in Holland, Michigan, graduating in 1973. He then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at Villanova University, completing his degree in 1977.
That same year, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine, taking his solemn vows in 1981 and being ordained a priest in 1982.
Furthering his theological education, Prevost earned a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and later obtained a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Seminary & University: Attended St. Augustine Seminary High School, earned a mathematics degree from Villanova University (1977), and a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union (1982).
Priesthood: Ordained in 1982, he served as a missionary in Peru, mastering Spanish and working with marginalized communities.
Rise in the Church
- Augustinian Leadership: Elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine (2001–2013), overseeing global missions.
- Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023): Advocated for social justice, criticized political corruption, and supported refugees.
- Cardinal (2023): Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, playing a key role in selecting bishops worldwide.
Elevation to the Papacy
Following Pope Francis’s death on May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV.
His election marked a historic moment as he became the first American pope and the first member of the Augustinian Order to ascend to the papacy.
Inauguration as Pope Leo XIV
On May 18, 2025, Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square drew 200,000 attendees, including world leaders like Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. Key moments:
- Symbols of Papacy: Received the Fisherman’s Ring and pallium, symbolizing his pastoral role.
- Message of Unity: Called for a Church that opposes “hatred, division, and economic exploitation”.
- Historic Hug: Broke protocol to embrace his brother Louis.
Pope Leo XIV’s Vision
- Continuity with Francis: Supports synodality, environmentalism, and migrant rights but opposes women’s ordination.
- Social Justice: Inspired by Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, he emphasizes workers’ rights amid AI and automation challenges.
- Global Diplomacy: Urged peace in Ukraine and Gaza during his inaugural address.
Conclusion
Pope Leo XIV’s remarkable journey—from Chicago to Peru to the Vatican—reflects his dedication to unity, justice, and faith. As the first American pope, his leadership will shape the Church’s role in a divided world.
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