POPE #267
Pope Leo XIV
The 267th Successor of St. Peter
The First Pope from the United States and the First Augustinian Pope
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025. The official Vatican biography identifies him as the 267th Successor of St. Peter, the first pope from the United States, and the first Augustinian pope.
His years of missionary, episcopal, religious, canonical, and curial service connect Chicago, Peru, the Order of St. Augustine, and the universal Church. Because his pontificate is ongoing, this biography records established facts and avoids assigning a final historical judgment.
“That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee.”
Explore This Pope
Quick Facts
Overview
Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago and entered the Augustinian novitiate in 1977. He made solemn profession in 1981, was ordained a priest in 1982, and earned a doctorate in canon law.
He served for many years in Peru as a missionary, formator, seminary professor, judicial vicar, and parish pastor. He later served two terms as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine.
Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator and then Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. In 2023 he became Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Early Life and Augustinian Vocation
Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Agnes Martinez. He studied at Villanova University, earning a degree in mathematics and pursuing philosophy.
He entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1977. His later motto, In Illo Uno Unum, comes from St. Augustine and expresses unity in the one Christ.
Missionary Ministry in Peru
Beginning in 1985, he served in the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas. He later returned to Peru and spent years in Trujillo as prior, director of formation, master of professed brothers, seminary educator, judicial vicar, and parish pastor.
He acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015. His long pastoral service in Peru is central to understanding his formation as a bishop and pope.
Leadership in the Order of St. Augustine
In 1998 he was elected provincial prior of the Chicago-based Augustinian province. In 2001 the Order elected him Prior General, and he was confirmed for a second six-year term in 2007.
This global religious leadership gave him direct experience of local churches, formation, governance, missionary life, and the international communion of the Order.
Episcopal and Curial Service
Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo and titular Bishop of Sufar in 2014. He received episcopal ordination on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and became Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.
In January 2023 he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was created cardinal on September 30, 2023, and elevated to the Order of Cardinal Bishops in February 2025.
Election to the Apostolic See
The conclave began on May 7, 2025. Cardinal Prevost was elected the following day and chose the name Leo XIV.
He celebrated his first Mass with the College of Cardinals on May 9 and inaugurated his Petrine ministry on May 18, 2025.
An Ongoing Pontificate
Leo’s pontificate began with calls for unity in Christ, peace, missionary witness, and service. Its history remains in progress, so major documents and acts should be described in their proper context as they occur.
His inauguration on May 18, 2025 emphasized a Church united in charity and open to the world through the proclamation of the Gospel.
Why Pope Leo XIV Matters
His election marks several firsts: first pope from the United States and first member of the Order of St. Augustine to become pope. His life also joins North and South America through decades of service in Peru.
The significance of his pontificate will be judged through time. His election already reflects the increasingly international character of the College of Cardinals and of Catholic leadership.
Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
Lord Jesus Christ, Shepherd and Guardian of souls, preserve Pope Leo XIV in faith, hope, charity, wisdom, courage, and humility. Strengthen him to confirm his brethren, defend the deposit of faith, serve the unity of the Church, care for the poor, and proclaim Thy Gospel to the world. Amen.
Sources and Further Study
- The Holy See, official Biography of the Holy Father Leo XIV.
- The Holy See, official list of Supreme Pontiffs.
- Official papal documents, speeches, appointments, and liturgical celebrations.
Timeline
Born in Chicago, Illinois.
Entered the Augustinian novitiate.
Ordained to the priesthood.
Elected Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine.
Ordained a bishop.
Created cardinal.
Elected pope and chose the name Leo XIV.
Inauguration of the Petrine ministry.