This article traces the journey of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago to becoming Pope Leo XIV, highlighting significant milestones in his life and career within the Roman Catholic Church.
A Journey to the Papacy: The Rise of Pope Leo XIV
A Journey to the Papacy: The Rise of Pope Leo XIV
Celebrating the life and ascent of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to becoming the 267th pope.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American from Chicago, has taken the papal name Leo XIV following his election as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His rise was seen by some as improbable, but his dedication and experience prepared him for this significant role.
Born in 1955, Prevost began his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977. This scholarly pursuit led him to enter the Order of Saint Augustine based in Saint Louis in 1978. He made his solemn vows in 1981 and completed his theological training by receiving a Master in Divinity in 1982. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained as a priest.
Father Prevost's missionary work began in 1985 when he joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Peru. Two years later, he earned a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He continued his missionary efforts by serving in Trujillo, Peru, before returning to Chicago, where he was elected provincial prior of the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel in 1999.
In 2015, Prevost was appointed as the bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. His ecclesiastical career took another leap in 2023 when Pope Francis elevated him to archbishop and entrusted him with the Vatican office responsible for selecting and managing bishops globally.
After years of dedicated service, Cardinal Prevost's election as pope on May 8, 2025, marks a historic milestone not only for him but for the Roman Catholic Church. As Pope Leo XIV, he steps into a role that will undoubtedly influence the direction of the Church in the years to come.
Born in 1955, Prevost began his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977. This scholarly pursuit led him to enter the Order of Saint Augustine based in Saint Louis in 1978. He made his solemn vows in 1981 and completed his theological training by receiving a Master in Divinity in 1982. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained as a priest.
Father Prevost's missionary work began in 1985 when he joined the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Peru. Two years later, he earned a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He continued his missionary efforts by serving in Trujillo, Peru, before returning to Chicago, where he was elected provincial prior of the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel in 1999.
In 2015, Prevost was appointed as the bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. His ecclesiastical career took another leap in 2023 when Pope Francis elevated him to archbishop and entrusted him with the Vatican office responsible for selecting and managing bishops globally.
After years of dedicated service, Cardinal Prevost's election as pope on May 8, 2025, marks a historic milestone not only for him but for the Roman Catholic Church. As Pope Leo XIV, he steps into a role that will undoubtedly influence the direction of the Church in the years to come.
