On 8 May 2025, the Catholic Church entered a historic new era with the election of Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Supreme Pontiff, who adopted the name Leo XIV. He is the first Pope with dual nationality, American and Peruvian, as well as the first Augustinian pontiff in the history of Catholicism.
Born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Leo XIV has deep multicultural roots. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French and Italian descent, while his mother,** Mildred Agnes Martinez, came from a Louisiana Creole family of Dominican, French, African and Spanish ancestry. This diverse heritage has shaped his global perspective and his ability to connect with different cultures.
His path to the papacy began with a solid academic background. With a degree in Mathematical Sciences from Villanova University and a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, he complemented his studies with a doctorate in Canon Law from the Angelicum in Rome. His extraordinary linguistic ability allows him to communicate fluently in seven languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Quechua, as well as reading Latin and German.
Missionary commitment in Peru
Leo XIV's connection to Latin America was forged through decades of service. In 1985 he began his mission in Peru, where he served in various pastoral roles in Piura, Trujillo and Chiclayo. His missionary work led him to acquire Peruvian nationality in 2015, consolidating a deep bond with the Andean country.
His leadership within the Order of St. Augustine was remarkable, being elected Prior General of the Order for two consecutive terms (2001-2013). This position allowed him to develop administrative skills and to establish relationships with various Vatican dicasteries.
From bishop to prefect of the Dicastery
Recognition of his pastoral work led Pope Francis to appoint him Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015. During his episcopate, Prevost demonstrated a firm stance against abuse in the Church, openly supporting victims and encouraging them to speak out. His commitment to justice and transparency was evident in his public statements, especially regarding cases related to the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae.
At a crucial moment for Peru, during the protests that shook the country in early 2023 under the government of Dina Boluarte, Prevost expressed: "The deaths in the protests cause me a lot of sadness and pain.... I asked to stay in Peru; I even made that request to the Holy Father. It was not the time to leave", demonstrating his deep empathy and commitment to the Peruvian people.
At the end of January 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, elevating him to the dignity of archbishop ad personam. He was subsequently created a cardinal on 30 September 2023, receiving the title of Cardinal Deacon of Saint Monica.
The historic election
The historic conclave of May 2025 culminated when, in the fifth round of voting on the second day, Cardinal Prevost was elected Supreme Pontiff. The announcement of "Habemus Papam" was made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica.
In choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pontiff evokes illustrious predecessors such as Leo I the Great and Leo XIII, renowned for their leadership and social commitment. The name suggests a continuity with the tradition of the Church while being open to contemporary challenges.
In his first public appearance, Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and addressed a message of peace to all peoples. His message in Spanish to his former diocese of Chiclayo demonstrated his continued closeness to Latin America.
A papacy of firsts
The election of Leo XIV represents several historic firsts for the Catholic Church:
First Pope with dual nationality (American and Peruvian), First pontiff from the Order of St. Augustine, First native English-speaking Pope since Hadrian IV Second Pope from America after Francis.
In addition to his ecclesiastical responsibilities, Leo XIV is known to be a keen tennis player and a passionate reader and musician. He has also revealed he's a fan of Major League Baseball's Chicago White Sox, a detail that shows his connection to his American roots.
Leo XIV's pontificate begins at a transformative moment for the Catholic Church, promising leadership that combines the rich European tradition with the vitality and diversity of the Americas. His multicultural background and pastoral experience in both developed and missionary contexts provide him with a unique perspective to guide the Church in the complex global landscape of the 21st century.
