Pope Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State since May 8, 2025.
Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he is the first United States or Peruvian citizen to be elected Pope and the first North American Pope and the 267th Pope in History
Early Life and Education
– Born in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost, a World War II veteran and school administrator, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent.
– Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977.
– Received a Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
– Holds a Licentiate of Canon Law and a Doctor of Canon Law degree from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Career Highlights
-Prior General of the Augustinians: Served two six-year terms from 2001 to 2013.
-Bishop of Chiclayo: Appointed by Pope Francis in 2014, serving until 2023.
-Perfect of the Dicastery for Bishops: Appointed by Pope Francis in 2023, overseeing the evaluation and recommendation of candidates for the episcopate worldwide.
-Cardinal: Created cardinal-deacon by Pope Francis in 2023 and promoted to cardinal-bishop in February 2025.
Papacy
As Pope Leo XIV, he has taken the motto “In illo uno unum,” meaning “In the one Christ we are one”.
His papacy began on May 8, 2025, marking a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s history.
