Robert Francis Prevost, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the current Pope Leo XIV and the first American to lead the Catholic Church. He is also notable as the first Augustinian to become Pope and the second pontiff from the Americas, following Pope Francis.
Prevost is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He grew up in Chicago and pursued early studies at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers, later earning a degree in Mathematics and studying Philosophy at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. In 1977, he entered the Order of Saint Augustine, making his first profession in 1978 and solemn vows in 1981.
He received his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and was sent to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). He was ordained a priest in Rome on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot.
Prevost spent significant years as a missionary in Peru, serving in various roles including chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas, director of formation for Augustinian aspirants, judicial vicar, and seminary professor. He was known for his advocacy for human rights and his criticism of political violence during the Fujimori era in Peru.
He later served as provincial prior of the Augustinians in Chicago and was elected head of the worldwide Augustinian order for two consecutive terms. In 2014, he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and later held significant roles in the Vatican, including Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.
Prevost’s life has been marked by a commitment to missionary work, education, human rights, and leadership within the Church, culminating in his election as Pope Leo XIV in 2025