The new Pope, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American Catholic prelate who was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955.
He is currently the President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis promoted him to the College of Cardinals, and in February 2025, he was made cardinal-bishop of Albano.
Early Life and Education
In 1973, Prevost finished his secondary schooling at the Order of St. Augustine’s minor seminary. In 1977, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Villanova University.
He became a member of the Augustinian Order in 1977, and in 1981, he took his solemn vows. After that, he studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he graduated in 1982 with a Master of Divinity. He later attended the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome to study canon law, graduating with a Licentiate in 1984 and a Doctorate in 1987.
Ecclesiastical Career
Prevost was ordained as a priest on June 19, 1982, and in 1985 he started ministering in Chulucanas, Peru, as a missionary. Later, he worked in Trujillo, where he served in a variety of capacities, including professor of canon law, director of formation, and community prior.
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He was chosen as the Augustinian Province of Chicago’s Provincial Prior in 1999. From 2001 until 2013, he held the position of Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine for two periods.
He was consecrated as a bishop on December 12, 2014, after Pope Francis named him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru 2014.
From 2015 to 2023, he presided over Chiclayo as its bishop.
Vatican Appointments
On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a significant position within the Roman Curia. He also became President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In recognition of his service, he was created a cardinal on September 30, 2023, with the title of Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica. In February 2025, he was promoted to cardinal-bishop of Albano.
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Citizenship
In 2015, Prevost became a naturalised citizen of Peru, reflecting his deep ties and long-standing service in the country.
Motto
His episcopal motto is “In illo uno unum,” meaning “In the one Christ, we are one.”
Cardinal Prevost’s extensive experience in pastoral care, education, and church governance positions him as a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. His leadership roles, both in Peru and within the Vatican, underscore his commitment to the Church’s mission and his influence in shaping its future.
