Following the death of Pope Francis, the 267th Bishop of Rome was elected on May 8 2025. Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American pope. He was born September 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. Pope Leo was made a priest on June 19, 1982 at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica. He was later appointed the role of local prior in the order of Saint Augustine in Rome, Italy.
When Pope Francis died on April 21st 2025, the cardinals voted within 33 hours for Pope Leo to be the new pope. Pope Leo went to Villanova University with a major in mathematics and philosophy, but in 1977 he joined the seminary and the Order of Saint Augustine.
Growing up, Pope Leo played with his siblings, Louis Martin and John Joseph. He would often pretend to offer Mass until he was ordained on June 19, 1982. Then in 1988, he established the parish Saint Rita, and in 1992 he became the administrator of this parish. Over 11 years, he served as prior of the community. In 1999, he was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago.
In October 2023, he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis, and in 2024 he officially took possession of his titular church on January 28, 2024. In February 2025, he was promoted to the Order of Bishops.
References
“Biography of Pope Leo XIV, Born Robert Francis Prevost.” Vatican News, Vatican News, 8 May 2025, www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/biography-of-robert-francis-prevost-pope-leo-xiv.html.
Clayton, Freddie. “How Leo Became the Unexpected Pope.” NBC News, NBC News, 11 May 2025, www.nbcnews.com/world/the-vatican/leo-became-unexpected-pope-rcna206003
King, Rachel. “Pope Leo XIV’s Life in photos.” Town & Country, Hearst Magazine Media, 18 May 2025, www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a64745403/pope-leo-xiv-photos/
