In a historic and unprecedented moment for the world-wide Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This marks the first time in the Church’s 2,000+-year history that a pontiff hails from the United States. His election was announced earlier today with white smoke from the secretive vote in the Vatican, following a very short, two-day conclave in Vatican City.
Born in the mid-1950’s, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Prevost was raised in a devout Catholic family. He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. Prevost holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University, and he later went on to a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union. He earned a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, he also reads Latin and German, as well.
Prevost’s commitment to missionary work led him to Peru, where he served extensively from the mid-1980s through the late 1990s. His roles included parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official. In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a position he held until 2013. Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2015, and later as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, overseeing global bishop appointments .
Elected on the fourth ballot, Pope Leo XIV’s ascension is seen as a unifying choice amid ideological divisions within the Church. Known for his moderate stance, he has emphasized “synodality,” promoting collaborative governance involving both clergy and laity. In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted the faithful with “Peace be with you,” underscoring his commitment to dialogue and unity .
By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope aligns himself with the legacies of previous Popes Leo, particularly Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of social justice and labor rights. This choice signals a commitment to addressing contemporary social issues while maintaining doctrinal continuity .
The new Pope inherits a Church facing numerous challenges, including navigating the Church’s position on evolving social issues. His background in international ministry and ecclesiastical governance positions him to address these complexities with a balanced and inclusive approach .
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a transformative moment for the Catholic Church, reflecting both a nod to tradition and an embrace of a more globally representative leadership. His extensive experience and commitment to unity suggest a papacy poised to navigate the Church through the complexities of the modern world.
But now, the elephant in the room: he’s from Chicago. And yes, according to a college friend, who is now an ordained priest, he has it “on good authority” that yes, the new Pope is a Cubs fan… may the good Lord help us all!