In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He becomes the first American pope and the first from the Augustinian order, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the 69-year-old greeted thousands with the words, “Peace be with you all.” In his inaugural address, he called for unity, compassion, and a Church that builds bridges through dialogue and missionary outreach.
A Life of Service Across Continents
Born in 1955 in Chicago to a multicultural family, Pope Leo XIV entered the Augustinian order in 1977 after earning a degree in mathematics from Villanova University. He studied theology in Chicago and canon law in Rome, where he was ordained in 1982.
His long missionary tenure in Peru defined much of his pastoral career. He served in Trujillo for over a decade, where he was a parish priest, professor, judicial vicar, and formation director. He later became Provincial Prior of his order and was twice elected Prior General of the Augustinians.
From Bishop to Cardinal to Pope
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo, Peru, and then bishop. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. He was later appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023.
Created a Cardinal in 2024, Leo XIV was a close collaborator of Pope Francis, participating in multiple Synods and Papal missions.
Carrying Forward and Carving His Path
Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church reoriented by Francis toward social justice and care for the marginalized. While expressing admiration for Francis’ legacy, Leo XIV has shown signs of traditionalism, notably by wearing papal vestments in his first public appearance.
He now leads the Church through internal challenges, including addressing the unresolved clergy abuse crisis and navigating global secular shifts.
As Catholics around the world celebrate this historic election, the new pontiff’s leadership will be defined by how he balances tradition with transformation, mission with modernity.
