By Our Reporter
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. His election is historic, marking him as the first American-born pontiff and a figure of significant pastoral and administrative experience.
Early Life and Education
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of French, Italian, and Spanish heritage. 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.) in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel in St. Louis. He made his solemn vows on August 29, 1981.
Prevost continued his theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, earning a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot. Furthering his education, he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law in 1984 and a Doctorate in Canon Law in 1987 from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Missionary Work in Peru
In 1985, Prevost began his missionary work in Peru, serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas. He returned to Peru in 1988, dedicating a decade to the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo as director of formation, community prior, and teacher of the professed. He also served as judicial vicar and professor of Canon Law, Patristics, and Moral Theology at the “San Carlos e San Marcelo” Major Seminary.
His deep commitment to the Peruvian Church led to his naturalization as a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
Leadership Roles
In 1999, Prevost was elected provincial prior of the “Mother of Good Counsel” Province in Chicago. Two years later, he was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, a position he held until 2013.
On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. He was consecrated as bishop on December 12, 2014, and served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. During this time, he also served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao in 2020.
Service in the Roman Curia
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was created Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica on September 30, 2023. His roles in the Curia included membership in several dicasteries, reflecting his broad expertise and commitment to the global Church.
Papal Election
Following the death of Pope Francis, the conclave convened in May 2025. After four rounds of voting, Prevost was elected pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election was announced with the traditional white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, and he delivered his first blessing, “Peace be with you,” to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Papal Priorities
Pope Leo XIV is recognized for his pastoral sensitivity, administrative acumen, and commitment to unity within the Church. He faces challenges such as internal divisions, declining vocations, and the need for continued reform in areas like financial transparency and the handling of abuse cases. His multicultural background and extensive experience in both missionary and administrative roles position him to address these issues with a balanced and inclusive approach.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Email; swiftnewsug@gmail.com
