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May 8, 2025- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. His election on May 8, 2025, marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.
Opposes same-sex family structures and gender education in schools
He was born to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. He has two brothers. He earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 and later received a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and made his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot. He spent many years in Peru serving in various roles including parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. He was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order twice, serving from 2001 to 2013, and was later appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis in 2023.
He was elected pope following the death of Pope Francis and chose the name Leo XIV, becoming the first Augustinian pope since the 12th century. In his first public address from St. Peter’s, he stated: “God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. So, we go forward without fear, united hand in hand—with God and one another. May we all be bridges through dialogue and encounter, so that we can become one people, all in peace.” His papal motto is “In illo Uno unum,” meaning “In the One, one,” which reflects a commitment to unity in Christ.
Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and proficient in Latin and German. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and former baseball player, he once worked as a pizza delivery driver in his youth.
He has been recognized for his work in social justice and advocacy for the poor, particularly during his missionary service in Peru. He has publicly emphasized the importance of humility, the cross, and the love of God. He has supported reforms initiated by Pope Francis, such as involving women in the bishop selection process. At the same time, he maintains traditional positions on gender and sexuality, opposing same-sex family structures and gender education in schools.
Pope Leo XIV is a registered Republican who has voted in U.S. elections while residing in the country. He has been publicly critical of the current U.S. administration on issues such as immigration, which aligns with his pastoral experiences and theological priorities.
His election has prompted significant reaction in his hometown of Chicago and beyond. Despite his American origins, he did not speak English during his first public address; instead, he chose a universal tone by speaking other languages. This approach aligns with his international ministry background and his emphasis on unity across diverse communities.
During a live broadcast, Bishop Warren Sullivan of the Diocese of Chicago commented that Pope Leo XIV brings a perspective shaped by family, education, and his faith life in Chicago. Sullivan emphasized that the new Pope understands the importance of living a life centered on faith, a value he believes will guide his leadership of the global Church.
