Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church and the first American-born pontiff. He was elected on May 8, 2025, following the conclave that selected him as the successor to Pope Francis.
Early Life and Education
- Born: September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- Citizenship: Holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.
- Education:
- Villanova University (Degree in Mathematics and Philosophy)
- Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (Theological Studies)
- Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (Canon Law)
Religious Career
- Joined the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in 1977.
- Ordained as a priest in Rome on June 19, 1982.
- Served as a missionary in Peru, working in Trujillo for over a decade.
- Held positions such as judicial vicar, professor of Canon Law, and parish administrator.
- Became Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing global bishop appointments.
Papacy
- Elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, after a two-day conclave.
- Known for his missionary work, social justice advocacy, and reform-oriented leadership.
- Delivered his first speech in Italian, Latin, and Spanish, reflecting his global pastoral experience.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1955 | Born in Chicago, Illinois |
| 1977 | Entered the Order of Saint Augustine |
| 1982 | Ordained as a priest in Rome |
| 1985 | Sent to Peru for missionary work |
| 1998 | Became judicial vicar and professor in Trujillo |
| 2018 | Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops |
| 2025 | Elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope |
Child of God, husband, father, grandfather, rabblerouser, songwriter, pot stirrer, waiting for the King.