Early Life and Education
Prevost was born to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish heritage. He grew up in Dolton, a suburb of Chicago, and served as an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. He attended St. Augustine Seminary High School, graduating in 1973, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977. He later obtained a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Religious Vocation and Missionary Work
Joining the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, Prevost made his solemn vows in 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1982. He embarked on missionary work in Peru, serving in various roles including parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official. His deep connection with Peru led to his naturalization as a Peruvian citizen.
Leadership Roles
From 2001 to 2013, Prevost served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, providing him with significant international and administrative experience. In 2014, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo, Peru, and became its bishop in 2015. His leadership extended to the Vatican when Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023. He was elevated to cardinal later that year.
Papacy
Following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, Prevost was elected pope on May 8, 2025, after the fourth ballot of the conclave. He chose the name Leo XIV, honoring Pope Leo XIII, known for his work on Catholic social teaching.
Vision and Challenges
Pope Leo XIV is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis's legacy, emphasizing social justice, environmental stewardship, and compassion for migrants. He has expressed support for inclusive pastoral practices, such as communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, and has shown cautious openness to blessing same-sex unions. However, he maintains traditional views on issues like the ordination of women.
His papacy begins amidst scrutiny over past handling of clerical sexual abuse allegations during his tenure in Peru, which he and his supporters claim are politically motivated.
Personal Interests
Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, Pope Leo XIV is known for his calm demeanor and good humor. He is an amateur tennis player and a fan of the Chicago Cubs.
Pope Leo XIV's election represents a significant moment in the Catholic Church's history, reflecting its growing diversity and the global nature of its leadership.
