In a landmark moment in Vatican history, Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, assuming the papal name Leo XIV.
His appointment marks the first time an American-born cleric has ascended to the throne of St. Peter, though his decades-long service in Latin America deeply connects him to the region’s faithful.
Robert Prevost is Of Spanish and Franco-Italian Heritage
Born in 1955 in Chicago to a family of Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, Robert Francis Prevost was raised in a devout Catholic household. Our findings show that Prevost was raised in Dolton, Illinois, a suburb bordering Chicago’s far South Side, Prevost.
He was born to a mother called Mildred Prevost, and a father known as Louis Marius Prevost. Both of his parents were strong Catholics and raised him as a such. His mother graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in library science in 1947 and his father was a United States Navy veteran of World War II. He was also a superintendent of Brookwood School District 167 in Glenwood, Illinois.
Our findings show that Robert Prevost’s father was born to immigrant parents from Italy and France. Also, his mother was the daughter of Haiti-born Joseph Martínez and Louise Baquiet from New Orleans, who was a mixed-race Louisiana Creole. This is how Prevost got his mixed heritage.
Robert Prevost is not an only child. The Pope actually has two older brothers called Louis and John. The brothers are very close and see each other often no matter how far they get away from each other because of work.
He Aspired To Priesthood From An Early Age
Even as a child, Robert Prevost was drawn to the church. His brother, John has revealed that Prevost aspired to priesthood from a young age. And so, while other boys wee thinking of how they were going to become engineers or doctors when they grew up, Prevost was thinking of becoming a priest.
He spent his early days in the St. Mary of the Assumption parish where he went to school. He was so involved in the church that he even sang in the choir. His early involvement in the Church began as an altar boy, leading to his ordination in 1982.
Robert Prevost Has Lived a Remarkable Life Of Service in Peru and USA
Following his ordination to the priesthood in 1982, Robert Prevost began a remarkable journey of service and leadership within the Catholic Church. In 1985, he joined the Augustinian mission in Peru, where he was appointed Chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas, a role he held until 1986.
From 1987 to 1988, Prevost returned to the United States to serve as Pastor for Vocations and Director of Missions for the Augustinian Province of Chicago. This move showed just how committed he was to nurturing the next generation of clergy.
However, he soon returned to Peru, where he dedicated the next decade to the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo. During this time, he is on record to have held multiple leadership roles, including Rector of the seminary, Prefect of Studies, and Professor of Canon Law at the local diocesan seminary. His influence extended beyond academic leadership—he also served as parish pastor, diocesan official, director of formation, seminary educator, and judicial vicar.
In 1999, Prevost was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of the “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago. Just two and a half years later, his leadership was recognized on an international scale when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a position he held for two consecutive terms, serving until 2013.
Holding dual Peruvian and American citizenship, Prevost is cherished in Peru for his decade-long service as a parish priest and seminary professor in Trujillo. His compassionate leadership and commitment to social outreach have made him a beloved figure in both North and South America.
How He Rose To Become a Leader in the Church
Robert Prevost’s influence within the Catholic Church steadily grew over the years. His growth was inevitable considering his incredible commitment to service in the church.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, recognizing his ability to lead and inspire. Later, he was named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America—a role critical to shaping the future of episcopal leadership across the region.
In January 2023, he was elevated to archbishop, and within months, Pope Francis made him a cardinal. His rapid rise reflected his alignment with Francis’ progressive vision for the Church, particularly in areas of social justice, environmental responsibility, and pastoral care.
What Is the Vision of Pope Leo XIV?
As Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost has already set a tone of unity and continuity. This is already clear from his first address to the people when his papacy was announced.
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he expressed deep admiration for his predecessor: “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us.” He called on the global Catholic community to move forward “united and hand in hand with God.”
Prevost’s papal name pays homage to past pontiffs who shaped the Church’s social teachings—most notably Pope Leo XIII, known for advocating workers’ rights during the industrial revolution. This choice signals Leo XIV’s commitment to addressing today’s pressing global issues, including economic inequality, migration, and climate change.
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Robert Prevost Has Championed Social Justice and Environmental Advocacy
Our findings show that Robert Prevost has been a vocal supporter of Pope Francis’ initiatives on climate action. He has called for a shift “from words to action,” encouraging the Church to adopt eco-conscious practices such as the installation of solar panels and the use of electric vehicles in the Vatican.
Equally, his dedication to social justice has been quite clear. This is evident in his support for immigrant communities and the poor. A former roommate, Rev. John Lydon, described him as “down to earth” and “deeply concerned with the needs of the most vulnerable.”
His Views On Inclusivity and Church Reform
Following his election, the world is now anxious to know what Pope Leo XIV’s views will be on church reform and inclusivity. For now, while some uncertainties remain about Pope Leo XIV’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, we know that he has expressed measured support for the blessing of same-sex couples—emphasizing that such decisions must consider cultural and local contexts.
He has also championed the inclusion of women in key decision-making roles, endorsing Pope Francis’ move to allow women to join the Dicastery for Bishops.
“Their point of view is an enrichment,” he affirmed in a 2023 interview with Vatican News.
Why Robert Prevost Is Seen as a Symbol of a Global Church
Even though he was born in the United States, Robert Prevost is now widely seen as a bridge between continents. The Vatican regards him as the second pope from the Americas, after Pope Francis of Argentina.
His multicultural background, missionary legacy, and theological depth position him as a unifying figure for a truly global Church. There is no doubt that as Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost brings not only a deep pastoral heart but also a vision rooted in tradition and propelled by reform.
