Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on 14th September 1955 in Chicago, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep sense of commitment to the Church. A member of the Augustinian Order, he has spent decades in service both in missionary work and in leadership roles within the Church. His journey from a young seminarian to the papacy is inspiring, and his papacy promises to reflect his unique experiences, passion for the Gospel, and strong sense of social justice.
Let’s see who Pope Leo XIV is, what he stands for, and what we can expect from him as the shepherd of our Holy Catholic Church.
The Early Years: A Foundation in Faith
Robert Prevost grew up in a family that valued faith and devotion. Raised in Chicago, his early years were steeped in the Catholic tradition. He attended the Augustinian minor seminary in Michigan, which was the first step in his journey towards the priesthood. He had always been drawn to the Augustinian way of life, with its emphasis on community, prayer, and service.
After completing his undergraduate studies in mathematics and philosophy at Villanova University, Prevost felt a clear call to the priesthood. He joined the Augustinian Order in 1978, and was ordained in 1982. His early years as a priest were marked by a deep love for Scripture and an eagerness to help others encounter Christ. Over time, he developed a reputation as a compassionate and wise leader, which would later serve him well in his future roles within the Church.
Missionary Work and Leadership
For the next 25 years, Father Prevost would live and work in Peru, where his life as a missionary priest truly flourished. His commitment to the people of Peru reflected his deep desire to serve those on the margins of society. As a missionary, he didn't just teach in the traditional sense; he got involved in the lives of the people, working alongside them, sharing their struggles, and offering pastoral care in the most challenging of circumstances.
His work in Peru wasn’t limited to the spiritual realm. Father Prevost was deeply committed to improving the living conditions of the poor and advocating for social justice. He knew that true service meant engaging with the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. His experiences in Peru shaped much of his later approach to ministry, and he would often reference these years as formative in his understanding of the Church’s role in society.
In 2003, Father Prevost’s leadership abilities were recognised when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order. In this role, he oversaw the Order’s global mission, managing a network of priests and laypeople across different continents. He had a vision of a Church that was engaged in the world, always seeking to meet the needs of the people, especially the poor and the suffering.
A Global Leader
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Father Prevost to the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential positions in the Vatican. This was a clear recognition of his leadership abilities and his deep knowledge of the Church's pastoral needs. As a member of this dicastery, Father Prevost played a significant role in selecting bishops around the world, ensuring that the Church was led by men of integrity, humility, and pastoral care.
Father Prevost’s experience within the Vatican’s inner workings made him a strong candidate when it came time to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. He had built relationships with bishops across the globe and had a keen understanding of the challenges facing the Church in the modern world. His years in leadership had also provided him with the wisdom to see the Church’s strengths and areas for improvement, and he was committed to guiding the Church towards greater unity, compassion, and service.
The Election of Pope Leo XIV
When the conclave convened in May 2025 following the passing of Pope Francis, the cardinals were faced with a daunting task. The Church was facing numerous challenges, from secularism to internal divisions, and needed a leader who could unite the faithful, address the needs of the world, and offer a vision for the future.
After several rounds of voting, the cardinals chose Father Prevost as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. He took the papal name Leo XIV, in honour of Pope Leo XIII, who is remembered for his strong social teachings. The name choice immediately set the tone for what was to come in his papacy — a commitment to addressing the social issues of the modern world while remaining deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition.
His election was met with joy and optimism around the world, especially in the United States, where many saw his appointment as a sign of the Church’s growing inclusivity and engagement with the global community. Pope Leo XIV’s first words after being elected were simple but profound: “Peace be with you all.” In those words, he set the stage for a papacy that would focus on peace, dialogue, and unity.
A Vision for the Church
Pope Leo XIV has made it clear that he intends to lead the Church with a focus on several key themes. First and foremost, he is committed to continuing the legacy of Pope Francis in promoting social justice. This includes addressing poverty, inequality, and the rights of the marginalised. Pope Leo XIV has already spoken about the need for the Church to be a voice for the voiceless, just as Christ was.
He has also emphasised the importance of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. In an increasingly pluralistic world, Pope Leo XIV recognises the need for the Catholic Church to build bridges with other Christian denominations and world religions. He has already made efforts to strengthen relationships with leaders from various faiths, demonstrating that dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration are at the heart of his papacy.
Another priority for Pope Leo XIV is the engagement of youth.
Having seen the rise of secularism and the challenges faced by young people in a fast-changing world, he is committed to reaching out to the younger generation. Pope Leo XIV believes that young people are not only the future of the Church but also its present. He wants to help them embrace their faith, challenge the status quo, and become active participants in the Church’s mission.
Finally, Pope Leo XIV has pledged to continue the Church’s efforts in environmental stewardship. Building on the work of Pope Francis and his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Leo XIV is committed to caring for God’s creation, addressing climate change, and advocating for a more sustainable way of living.
A New Approach to Leadership
What sets Pope Leo XIV apart from his predecessors is not just his American background but his approach to leadership. He believes in a collaborative leadership style, where the role of the pope is to guide, but also to listen. In his early speeches, he has already emphasised the need for humility and openness in all aspects of Church life.
He has called for a more inclusive Church, one that reaches out to people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences. Pope Leo XIV has stated that the Church must be a place where all people, especially the most vulnerable, feel welcomed and supported.
In addition, he has shown a clear commitment to reforming Church structures to better serve the faithful. This includes addressing the challenges posed by clericalism, improving transparency within Church governance, and ensuring that the Church’s resources are used in the most effective way possible to further the mission of the Gospel.
What Can We Expect?
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, we can expect him to address the world with compassion, clarity, and a deep sense of justice. He will continue to emphasise the importance of prayer and spirituality as the foundation for all action, reminding us that without a deep relationship with God, the Church’s mission is incomplete.
His papacy will undoubtedly be marked by bold decisions and important reforms, but it will also be a papacy that seeks to bring people together — to build bridges, heal divisions, and work towards a world that reflects God’s love and mercy.
A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
As we welcome Pope Leo XIV into his papacy, let us pray for him, asking God to guide him in his mission:
Lord, we thank You for the gift of Pope Leo XIV. We ask that You bless him with wisdom, strength, and humility as he leads Your Church. Help him to bring peace and unity to all Your people, and guide him as he works to serve the poor, the marginalised, and the suffering. May his papacy be one of compassion, justice, and faithfulness to Your Word. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
************
We are truly witnessing the beginning of an exciting new era in the Church, and with Pope Leo XIV at the helm, we can be sure that God’s grace will guide us through whatever challenges lie ahead.
Image Of Pope Leo XIV courtesy of www.jesuits.org/stories/a-prayer-for-pope-leo-xiv/