Welcoming Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV
- ajoyce140
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
On May 8, 2025, history occurred when Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. He remarkably journeyed from Chicago's modest neighborhoods to the papal throne in Vatican City. This blog post will explore his inspiring life, the values that shaped him, and insights into his future as the new pope.
Early Life
Robert Francis Prevost came into the world in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955. His family was of the devout Catholic faith. Louis Marius Prevost, his father, worked as a school administrator and hailed from French Italian roots. Mildred Agnes Martínez, his mother, worked as a librarian and was of Spanish descent.
Robert’s faith was nurtured as a young child growing up in a practicing Catholic family. Robert fondly remembers often playing "Mass" with all of his brothers (as later recounted in press interviews). These games foreshadowed what would later be so central to his life.
Education
At 18 in 1973, Prevost began to pursue higher education. He enrolled in the theology program at St. Augustine Seminary in Michigan. He studied mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, graduating with his bachelor's degree in 1977.
On May 8, 2025, students at Villanova University watched as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and Prevost was announced as the new pope. “Upon hearing ‘Prevost,’ everyone started cheering,” joyfully recalled student Isabella Quatela, a current senior at the university. The university rang church bells for hours to show support for the new pope.
Robert Francis Prevost deepened his theological knowledge by earning a Master of Divinity at Chicago's Catholic Theological Union in 1982. He pursued academic excellence continually, traveling to Rome to study at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. At this well-known institution, he earned both a licentiate (1987) and a doctorate (1989) in canon law, which is the legal system governing Catholic Church operations. His comprehension with respect to canon law would prove priceless as he navigated more complex church governance issues later in life.
Missionary Work in Peru
In 1985, Prevost was sent by the Catholic Church to Peru, where he worked as a missionary in remote rural regions. The Shining Path, a Maoist guerrilla movement, spread violence in Peru during the 1980s and ’90s. Robert immersed himself in the local community and brought hope to those who were facing hardship.
During his time in Peru, he supported grassroots initiatives, including helping with the rebuilding of schools and strengthening basic health care services. He is often fondly remembered by those who worked with him in Peru and those he served.
A colleague and friend of Robert Prevost, Father Purcaro, describes the new pope: “Some people would stress the reserved aspect of his personality, but that does not get across who Bob is,” he said. “Bob cares very much about people, especially those who have been left out,” he added, noting that came through in their work in Peru.
Rising Through Catholic Church Leadership
After his missionary work in Peru, Prevost continued to ascend through the ecclesiastical hierarchy when he returned to the United States. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot in Rome, and he took on several key roles in the years that followed. He was both a pastor and later bishop in various locations.
His leadership style was characterized by innovative programs aimed at increasing community engagement. For instance, he successfully implemented an initiative that increased parish participation in charitable activities by 40% over three years. His emphasis on inclusivity and modernization earned him respect and recognition from his peers, establishing him as a forward-thinking leader.
Prevost's constant and hardworking nature brought recognition from the Church and the public at large. It was not long before he was made a cardinal, setting the stage for his election as pope. He was appointed as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, on November 3, 2014, and later appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis on January 30, 2023. As a cardinal, Robert Francis Prevost started on a new chapter within the scope of his ministry. His responsibilities included overseeing various global initiatives and advising the pope.
A Historic Conclave
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV after a historic conclave on May 8, 2025. This moment was significant for American Catholics; it also shifted the Church’s approach to modern challenges in large ways. News of his election resonated across the world, and millions celebrated.
Prevost chose the name Pope Leo, a deliberate reference to the last pope Leo, who led during a difficult time for the Roman Catholic Church and helped bring it into the modern world. Leo XIII was head of the Church from 1878 to 1903. He is known for his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which vigorously defended the rights of working people to a living wage and set the bar for the Church’s modern social doctrine. He was known as the “pope of the workers.” By taking his name, Prevost hopes to embody and continue Pope Leo XIII’s legacy through actively working towards social justice and guiding the church in modern times.
Within moments of his election, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out. They signaled a fresh chapter for the Catholic Church. As pope, Leo XIV stresses compassion, mercy, and embracing change while staying firm in faith.
In his first address as pope to the public on May 8, 2025, he said:
“Greetings of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!”
Focus on the Environment and Social Justice
Pope Leo XIV leads with a strong commitment to caring for the environment. He encourages churches to take measurable steps to reduce their carbon footprints such as using eco-friendly building materials and creating community gardens. He also focuses on fighting poverty and inequality, bringing new energy to the Church’s mission to support those in need. At the same time, he stresses the importance of prayer and personal faith. He creates spaces for reflection and encourages people to deepen their connection with God and each other through daily prayer.
Global Humanitarian Vision
Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to compassion, justice, and inclusivity. His history of serving marginalized communities and championing environmental stewardship and social equity closely aligns with the core values of organizations like Life for Relief and Development. His leadership is expected to inspire progress in humanitarian efforts and promote peace worldwide.
Hope for the Suffering in Gaza, a Call for Ceasefire
During Sunday Mass, Pope Leo XIV voiced his deep concern for the suffering in Gaza, urging swift and compassionate action. “I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip: may there be an immediate ceasefire! Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civilian population and let all the hostages be freed,” he said.
One Life Can Inspire Millions
The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV signifies a defining moment in Church history, reflecting the evolving landscape of the Catholic Church today. His new papacy, mixing past ways and modern ways, is inspiring people to show justice, mercy, and love. Reflecting on the journey of Pope Leo XIV reminds us of the profound impact one person's life can have on millions.
