Robert Prevost: From Alter Boy to Pope of the Catholic Church

A two-day conclave ended with the election of Robert Prevost as the next Pope, who will preside over the affairs of the Catholic Church, a faith followed by 1.4 billion people.

His election follows the death of Pope Francis, who, after battle with pneumonia, died on Easter Monday. Robert Prevost has chosen the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement was made to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti on the evening of Thursday, May 8. The first words of the 267th Bishop of Rome were: “Peace be with all of you!”

As millions of Catholics continue to pray for and bless the new Pope, here’s what you need to know about Pope Leo XIV.

Humble Beginnings in Chicago

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a culturally rich household, shaped by French, Italian, and Spanish influences. Raised with two brothers in a close-knit Catholic family, he began his faith journey early—first as an altar boy, later entering the Augustinian Minor Seminary. He studied Mathematics and Philosophy at Villanova University, but it was the calling to religious life that defined his path.

An Augustinian at Heart

In 1977, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine, making his first profession a year later and solemn vows in 1981. After theological training at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Prevost was sent to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. At just 26, he was ordained a priest in 1982 at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica. His doctoral thesis—focused on leadership within his order—marked the beginning of a long career of service and scholarship.

Missionary Life and Leadership in Peru

Prevost’s missionary journey took him to Peru, where he became a vital part of the Church’s pastoral and academic work. He spent over a decade in Trujillo, serving in various roles: parish priest in poor neighborhoods, seminary professor, and judicial vicar. His deep integration into Peruvian life earned him respect far beyond the Church walls. By 1999, he was back in the U.S. as Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of Chicago, but his leadership trajectory was already global.

In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Augustinians worldwide, a role he held for two terms.

Bishop, Cardinal, and Trusted Papal Aide

Returning to Peru in 2014, Prevost was appointed Apostolic Administrator—and soon Bishop—of Chiclayo by Pope Francis. He later led the Diocese and served in key roles within the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference. Rome called again in 2023: Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, entrusting him with one of the most influential roles in shaping global Church leadership. Later that year, he became a Cardinal, and in 2024, a key voice in the Synod on Synodality.

Pope Leo XIV World View

While many would consider the late Pope Francis a reformist who viewed the world through a liberal lens, Pope Leo XIV is seen as a moderate who shares many of his predecessor’s views on immigration, climate change, and poverty.

“I was born in the United States… but my grandparents were all immigrants—French, Spanish… I was raised in a very Catholic family; both of my parents were very engaged in the parish,” he said.

Although his views on the LGBT community remain unclear, some reports claim that he supports Francis’ declaration to bless same-sex couples and others in “irregular situations.” Additionally, he backed Pope Francis’ decision to allow women to join the Dicastery for Bishops for the first time.