History was made at the Vatican as Robert Francis Prevost became the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.
As white smoke signalled the conclusion of the conclave, tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square erupted in jubilation. Stepping out onto the iconic balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—greeted the crowd with a warm smile, a double-handed wave, and a humble bow.
Here are ten essential facts about the new pontiff:
1. Born in the Windy City
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, marking the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead him to the Vatican.
2. A Lifelong Augustinian
He joined the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) as a novice in 1977 and committed fully by taking his solemn vows in 1981.
3. Missionary Roots in Peru
Before rising to global prominence, Prevost spent many years in Peru, serving as a missionary. His time there shaped much of his pastoral approach. He was also twice elected as the global head of the Augustinians.
4. Academic and Spiritual Scholar
A man of intellect and faith, Prevost earned a BSc in Mathematics from Villanova University (1977), a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and advanced degrees in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His doctoral dissertation focused on the governance structure within the Augustinian order.
5. Priesthood and Early Ministry
Ordained in 1982, he soon joined the Augustinian mission in Peru. Between 1985 and 1986, he served as chancellor of the Territorial Prélature of Chulucanas.
6. A Blend of Leadership and Service
From 1987 to 1988, Prevost returned to the U.S. to serve as vocations pastor and missions director for the Chicago Augustinians. He later resumed work in Peru, spending a decade training seminarians and teaching canon law, while simultaneously serving in multiple key church roles.
7. Leadership Roles in the U.S. and Abroad
In 1999, Prevost became the provincial prior for the “Mother of Good Counsel” province in Chicago. Just a few years later, he was elected prior general of the global Augustinian order, serving until 2013.
8. Episcopal Work in Peru
Appointed by Pope Francis as apostolic administrator of Chiclayo in 2014, Prevost became its bishop in 2015. He played a key role in the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference as vice-president and a permanent council member from 2018 to 2023.
9. Trusted Administrator of Callao
In both 2020 and 2021, Prevost was tasked with leading the Diocese of Callao as its apostolic administrator, further strengthening his pastoral and administrative experience.
10. A Cardinal and Bishop-Maker
In January 2023, Pope Francis entrusted him with one of the Church’s most powerful roles—prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of bishops globally. He was elevated to cardinal later that year, on September 30. Following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, Prevost was chosen by his peers to lead the Catholic Church into a new era.
From Chicago to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV’s path has been one of dedication, service, and faith. As the first American pope, his papacy begins with both historic weight and global anticipation.