Who is Pope Leo XIV: Cardinal Robert Prevost?

On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born Augustinian friar, emerged as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. His election marks a historic moment, not only for the United States but also for the global Catholic community, which looks to the Vatican for spiritual leadership. But who is this man, and what path led him to the papacy? This article explores the life, career, and vision of Pope Leo XIV, shedding light on the qualities that positioned him as the 266th successor to St. Peter.

Early Life and Formation

Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, a city known for its vibrant Catholic community. Raised in a working-class family, Prevost grew up in a milieu that valued faith, community, and service. His early exposure to the Church came through his parish, where he was influenced by the Augustinian friars, a religious order founded in the 13th century and dedicated to education, pastoral care, and missionary work. This connection would shape his future.

Prevost entered the Augustinian order as a young man, taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He pursued studies in philosophy and theology, earning degrees that prepared him for a life of service. His academic formation took place in the United States and later in Rome, where he deepened his understanding of Church doctrine and canon law. Ordained a priest in 1982, Prevost quickly distinguished himself as a thoughtful and dedicated servant of the Church, with a particular heart for the marginalized.

A Missionary in Peru

One of the defining chapters of Prevost’s life was his missionary work in Peru. In the 1980s, he was sent to serve in the Diocese of Chiclayo, a region marked by poverty and social challenges. As a priest and later as Bishop of Chiclayo (2001–2014), Prevost worked tirelessly to address the needs of his flock. He focused on education, healthcare, and evangelization, earning a reputation as a pastor who was both approachable and resolute. His fluency in Spanish and his ability to connect with people across cultural divides made him a beloved figure in Peru.

Prevost’s time in Peru also shaped his worldview. He witnessed firsthand the struggles of the poor and the impact of systemic inequality, experiences that aligned him closely with the social justice emphasis of Pope Francis. His dual citizenship—American and Peruvian—reflects his deep connection to both nations and underscores his ability to bridge different worlds, a skill that would prove invaluable in his later roles.

Rising Through the Vatican

Prevost’s leadership abilities did not go unnoticed. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo’s superior, but his talents soon called him to Rome. By 2019, he was serving as a key figure in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, the office responsible for overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide. This role placed Prevost at the heart of the Church’s global governance, where he worked closely with Pope Francis to shape the episcopate in line with the pontiff’s vision of a more pastoral and inclusive Church.

In 2023, Pope Francis elevated Prevost to the rank of cardinal, a move that signaled his growing influence. As Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, Prevost continued to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, earning praise for his calm, steady, and direct approach. Colleagues described him as a “centrist” who balanced respect for Church tradition with an openness to dialogue. His work in Rome also gave him a global perspective, as he collaborated with bishops from diverse regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The Conclave of 2025

The death of Pope Francis in April 2025 set the stage for a historic conclave. With 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel, the election was closely watched by the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Early speculation centered on figures like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, both seen as frontrunners. However, as the ballots were counted, it became clear that Prevost had emerged as a compromise candidate, appealing to both progressive and conservative factions.

Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV was announced to a crowd of over 10,000 in St. Peter’s Square on May 8, 2025. His choice of the name “Leo” evokes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), known for his social teachings, and Pope Leo I (440–461), a defender of orthodoxy. The name signals Prevost’s intention to address contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in tradition.

A Centrist with a Pastoral Heart

Pope Leo XIV is often described as a centrist, a leader who seeks to unify the Church amid growing polarization. He is conservative on doctrinal matters, opposing innovations like the ordination of women as deacons, yet progressive in his embrace of marginalized groups, such as migrants and the poor. His supporters highlight his pastoral sensitivity, noting his ability to listen and engage with diverse perspectives.

Prevost’s American background makes him a unique figure. As the first U.S.-born pope, he brings a perspective shaped by a pluralistic society and a Church that has often navigated tensions between secular culture and religious identity. However, his decades in Peru and Rome ensure that his outlook is global rather than narrowly American. “His style is calm, steady, and very direct,” said Father Mark R. Francis, a former colleague, predicting a papacy that would continue Pope Francis’s emphasis on mercy and inclusion.

Challenges Ahead

As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost faces a Church at a crossroads. He inherits a world grappling with secularization, declining religious vocations in the West, and the rapid growth of Catholicism in Africa and Asia. He must also address internal debates over issues like synodality, women’s roles, and the Church’s response to cultural shifts. His experience in the Dicastery for Bishops equips him to appoint leaders who share his vision, but he will need to navigate resistance from both liberal and traditionalist factions.

Geopolitically, Prevost’s papacy will be watched closely. His American origins may raise questions about the Vatican’s neutrality, particularly in regions wary of U.S. influence. However, his Peruvian ties and global experience could help him transcend national stereotypes. His predecessor’s controversial accord with China, negotiated by Cardinal Parolin, remains a delicate issue that Leo XIV will need to address.

A Humble Leader

Those who know Prevost describe him as “low-key” and unassuming, a leader who shuns the spotlight but commands respect through his integrity. His Augustinian spirituality, rooted in community and humility, is likely to shape his papacy. Posts on X reflect excitement about his election, with many noting his missionary background and his alignment with Pope Francis’s priorities.

As Pope Leo XIV steps onto the global stage, he carries the hopes of millions. His journey—from a Chicago parish to the Peruvian Andes to the Vatican—reflects a life dedicated to service. Whether he can unite a divided Church and guide it through turbulent times remains to be seen, but his election as the first American pope is already a milestone. For now, the world watches as this humble friar takes up the keys of St. Peter, ready to lead with faith and resolve.

by Mark Hayes (author)