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In 1973, Prevost was planning to attend Tolentine College, an Augustinian seminary in Olympia Fields, Illinois, as part of the order's pre-novitiate program, but it closed that same year.[9][48] He promptly enrolled in Villanova University, an Augustinian college located near Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mathematics in 1977.[12][49][50] At Villanova, he took elective courses in Hebrew and Latin, read the writings of Saint Augustine, and discussed the work of theologian Karl Rahner with other students.[9] He lived in the Augustinian friary, and was remembered as "particularly committed... to missionary work," and being "the most community minded" among the students.[51] Prevost also worked as a cemetery groundskeeper at Saint Denis Catholic Church in Havertown, Pennsylvania, while studying at Villanova.[52]

Entry into Augustinians
On September 1, 1977, Prevost entered the Order of Saint Augustine's novitiate in the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel. He resided for one year at Immaculate Conception Church in the Gate District neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri.[53][54][55][56] In the summer of 1978, Prevost spent three months in Clinical Pastoral Education at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.[57][58][59] He took his first vows on September 2, 1978, and his solemn vows on August 29, 1981.[11][12]

He returned to his father's native Hyde Park to obtain a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Catholic Theological Union in 1982 and taught physics and math at St. Rita of Cascia High School in the Wrightwood neighborhood of Chicago during his studies.[13][60] As his spiritual director, a guide to the Christian life, he chose a religious sister, Sister Lyn Osiek, RSCJ, the supervisor of his theological reflection class. She described him as "calm and steady... a person who was at peace with himself."[61]

Ordination and missionary work in Peru
On September 10, 1981, Prevost was ordained a deacon by Thomas Gumbleton at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. That same year, Prevost concluded his studies at Catholic Theological Union.[62][11] Prevost was ordained a priest in Rome, at the Chapel of Saint Monica of the Augustinians by Archbishop Jean Jadot on June 19, 1982.[11][12][63]

Prevost earned a Licentiate of Canon Law (JCL) in 1984, followed by a Doctor of Canon Law (JCD) degree in 1987, both from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.[12] During this period, he also learned Italian.[9] His doctoral thesis was a canon law study of the role of local priors in the Order of Saint Augustine.[64]


Prevost spent his novitiate at Immaculate Conception Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
"Padre Roberto" joined the Augustinian mission in Peru in 1985, serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas (1985–1986), as well as an aide to bishop John McNabb. Much of his work in his first year in Peru was focused on disaster relief following severe El Niño rainstorms. [11][65] In 1987, after defending his doctoral thesis, he was vocation director and missions director of the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and worked with the faculty of the Augustinian Novitiate in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, before returning to Peru in 1988.[12][66] During his time in Peru, Prevost met and appreciated the Dominican priest and theologian Gustavo Gutierrez, a pioneer of liberation theology.[63] He also learned and mastered the Spanish language during this period.[9]

Prevost spent a decade heading the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo, teaching canon law in the diocesan seminary,[12] serving as prefect of studies, acting as a judge in the regional ecclesiastical court, and working in parish ministry on the city's outskirts, coming into contact with poor farmers and Peruvian indigenous peoples.[67][65]


Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mary, Trujillo. As a young missionary, Prevost served in various roles in the Archdiocese of Trujillo.
He proved successful in the Augustinians' efforts to recruit Peruvians for the priesthood and leadership positions in the order.[68] He organized support for Venezuelan refugees to Peru despite discrimination against the Venezuelans.[69]

During the Fujimorato era, Prevost criticized the actions of then-President Alberto Fujimori, placing special emphasis on the victims of the Peruvian Army, especially the Colina Group, during the period of terrorism in Peru, as well as on political corruption. In 2017, he criticized President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's decision to pardon Fujimori, and called upon Fujimori "to personally apologize for some of the great injustices that were committed".[70] His years in Peru gave him personal knowledge of political violence and inequality; at times, as a missionary, he traveled by horse on difficult roads to reach the isolated communities in the valleys of Lambayeque.[71] He also stood out as a defender of human rights of the population of the Norte Chico region against the violence of the Marxist–Leninist–Maoist guerrilla organization Shining Path.[72][73] However, Trujilio, the area where Prevost served, was not particularly affected by the Shining Path.[65]

Prior provincial and prior general (1998–2013)

St. Thomas School in Hyde Park, Chicago
In 1998, Prevost was elected Prior Provincial of the Order of St. Augustine's Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel based in Chicago, assuming the role on March 8, 1999.[12] In 2000, he permitted James Ray, an Augustinian priest, to reside at St. John Stone Friary in Chicago under supervision. Ray had been suspended from public ministry since 1991 due to credible accusations that he had sexually abused minors. Prevost's allowing of the placement of Ray in a friary at the request of the Archdiocese of Chicago and close to St. Thomas School was the subject of reporting in 2021, prior to his appointment to the Vatican.[74] According to the Augustinians, "the location was selected because of the supervision the priest would receive."[61] After American bishops implemented stricter rules in the Dallas Charter, Ray was moved to other housing in 2002.[74][75][e]

Elected prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine in 2001, Prevost served two consecutive, six-year terms until 2013.[76] During his tenure as the global head of the Augustinian order, Prevost lived and worked in Rome, but frequently traveled around the world. It was in that capacity that in 2004, he visited Buenos Aires and met Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis, for the first time. Their early encounters are reported to have not gone well. Prevost later explained that at the time, he thought he would never become a bishop after Bergoglio was elected Pope in 2013, but has declined to reveal what they initially disagreed upon. However, they were able to reconcile their differences before Prevost left Rome for Chicago in 2013.[9] Soon after his election as prior general, Prevost personally oversaw the creation of a web site for the Augustinians.[77]

From 2013 to 2014, Prevost served as director of formation at the Convent of St. Augustine in Chicago, and as first councilor and provincial vicar of the province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.[12]

Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023)

St. Mary's Cathedral in Chiclayo, Peru, where Prevost was diocesan bishop from 2015 to 2023
On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru and the titular bishop of Sufar.[78] He was consecrated on December 12, 2014, at St. Mary Cathedral by Archbishop James Green, Apostolic Nuncio to Peru.[79][80] On September 26, 2015, he was named Bishop of Chiclayo.[81][82] As required by a 1980 agreement between the Holy See and Peru,[83] Prevost became a naturalized Peruvian citizen before becoming bishop.[60] At the time of his appointment, Chiclayo was described as a conservative diocese, having been staffed by Opus Dei priests for many decades.[65]

Prevost developed a close bond with the diocese of Chiclayo, directing a special message to them in his first message as pope, calling them "my beloved diocese", "faithful people" and "faithful church".[84][85] He was seen as being "very faithful to the Church's social doctrine" and organized relief efforts during calamities. He also supported projects in favor of Venezuelan refugees and encouraged vocations in youth groups, giving strong support to the seminary.[86] He helped victims of trafficking and sex workers learn new skills and trades, and invited them to spiritual retreats, while ensuring that volunteer workers have adequate training. He is remembered for his capacity to listen and have discussions with different groups before taking action, and working with institutions when facing controversial issues.[87] He established a diocesan Commission on Integral Ecology and appointed a woman to lead it.[84] According to interviews done by The Pillar, people in the diocese described their bishop as having a "balanced" personality, a "calming presence", showing "great charity and great clarity" in doctrinal matters, and a competent administrator and bridge-builder open to dialogue and never hurtful, with "apostolic zeal"[86]

Prevost as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2018, commenting on extreme poverty in the region (in Spanish)
On July 13, 2019, Prevost was appointed a member of the Congregation for the Clergy,[88] and on April 15, 2020, he became apostolic administrator of Callao.[89][f] On November 21, 2020, he joined the Congregation for Bishops.[90] Within the Episcopal Conference of Peru, he served on the permanent council (2018–2020) and was elected president of its Commission for Education and Culture in 2019, also contributing to Caritas Peru.[91][92] His presence in the permanent council of the episcopal conference was seen by Cardinal Joseph Tobin as "extraordinary for someone who was not born in Peru. Clearly, he has a broad degree of acceptance in the divided group."[93] Prevost had a private audience with Pope Francis on March 1, 2021,[94] sparking speculation about a new role in Chicago or Rome.[95]

Prevost has been accused of covering up sexual abuse during his time in Chiclayo.[96][97] In 2022, alleged victims of abuse in 2007 by priests Ricardo Yesquén Paiva and Eleuterio Vásquez Gonzáles said the Diocese of Chiclayo failed to investigate their cases.[98] The Diocese of Chiclayo stated that Prevost followed proper procedures, met with Ana María Quispe and her sisters in April 2022 to personally attend the victims, encouraged them to initiate a civil action, and initiated a canonical investigation, the results of which he sent to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.[99][100] The sisters stated in 2024 that no full penal canonical investigation occurred, and an investigation by América Televisión concluded that the church's investigation was not thorough.[101][102]

In response the diocese of Chiclayo stated the allegations of the TV program were false, calling on it to correct its inaccuracies. The diocese said that the accused priest "never admitted" to the accusations, that Prevost prohibited him from exercising the priestly ministry and the priest transferred residence to his family's home. Prevost submitted the dossier to the Vatican, which gave a "pro nunc" decision or temporary dismissal. The diocese later reopened the case and sent it to the Vatican anew, and thus it remains "open up to now."[103]

Speaking to the Peruvian newspaper La República while Bishop of Chiclayo, Prevost said: "If you are a victim of sexual abuse by a priest, report it. We reject cover-ups and secrecy; that causes a lot of harm. We have to help people who have suffered due to wrongdoing."[104][105][g] Journalist Pedro Salinas [es], who investigated and exposed crimes committed by members of the now-defunct Sodalitium Christianae Vitae—including sexual, physical, and psychological abuse—has argued that Prevost always expressed his support for the victims and was one of the most reliable clerical authorities in Peru, leading Pope Francis to select him as prefect of bishops. Salinas has written that some of the Peruvian clerics linked to the Sodalitium sought to attack and defame Prevost in retaliation for his role in the Sodalitium's dissolution by Pope Francis due to its sexual abuse scandals, as well as Prevost being near to Francis's political theology.[106][107]

Dicastery for Bishops and cardinalate (2023–2025)

Cardinal Prevost (first from right) during the procession with the body of Pope Francis, April 23, 2025

Prevost during the Consistory in 2023
By the 2020s, Pope Francis had become close to Prevost and advanced his career.[9][108] On January 30, 2023, Francis appointed Prevost prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops with the title Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo.[109][110] Prevost expressed a preference to stay in Peru, but accepted the appointment.[108] He continued to be active in the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council and participated in the council's meetings in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, in May 2023.[111]

On September 30, 2023, Francis created Prevost a cardinal with the rank of Cardinal-Deacon and assigned the deaconry of Santa Monica degli Agostiniani.[112] As prefect, he played a critical role in evaluating and recommending episcopal candidates worldwide, increasing his visibility within the church.[113] These roles elevated his prominence as a papal candidate leading into the conclave.[114][115][116] In October 2023, Francis appointed him as a member of seven additional dicasteries,[12][h] and also named him to the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State.[12]

On February 6, 2025, Francis promoted Prevost to cardinal-bishop, assigning him as titular bishop of the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano.[117][118][i] On February 11, he was appointed to the dignity and rank of Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion of the Order of Malta by Grand Master Fra' John Dunlap.[120]

Written works before the papacy and theology of leadership
Main article: Pope Leo XIV bibliography
Given his focus on mission, the writings of Prevost before his election were few.[121][122] When he was global head of the Augustinians, the Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Saint Augustine was "issued by Authority of the Prior General, Robert F. Prevost" in 2002.[123]

Aside from four journal articles published mostly in Augustininan journals, his main work of scholarship is his doctoral dissertation, The office and authority of the local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine, published by the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in 1987. The work has been noted for its legal precision, Augustinian roots, postconciliar engagement and historical depth.[124] Much of the commentary see this work as a window to his "vision of the church" and "theology of leadership."[125][126][127]

In his thesis, Prevost sees that authority is received from above, and therefore "the substance of the office of the superior is to obey; to obey the will of God and to put great effort into trying to know it, to formulate it and to specify it for his subjects."[124] Leadership is based on Jesus Christ's threefold offices of teaching, sanctifying and governing, who sanctifies by prayer and builds community by being centered on the Mass, having "the care of the Brothers, 'especially in spiritual matters.'" The prior must help make the sacraments regular and reverent, protecting "each brother's freedom of conscience while promoting 'frequent' confession."[125]

Based on St. Augustine's concept, Prevost sees authority as a service.[128] He says that service means "listening to what the Spirit is saying in His people so that His projects can be carried out freely and willingly. The Prior then is called to listen, so that together they can discern and implement what the Spirit inspires."[126]

Papacy (2025–present)
Election
See also: 2025 conclave

Pope Leo XIV waving from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in his first public appearance
In pre-conclave speculation, Prevost was considered a dark horse compared to more prominent papabili,[129][130] although he was noted to be an ally of Pope Francis and a possible compromise candidate.[129][131] His American nationality had been regarded as a potential stumbling block to his candidacy, reflecting unease about enhancing the United States's geopolitical power.[8][132] Prevost was well aware of this, explaining to a friend by text message: "I'm an American, I can't be elected".[9] Supporters argued that he represented a "dignified middle of the road".[133]

Prevost was elected pope on May 8, 2025, the second day of the conclave, on the fourth ballot. White smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel at 18:07 CEST (UTC+2), signifying to the public that a pope had been chosen.[134] After accepting his election and adopting his papal name, Leo embraced his fellow cardinals upon exiting the Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the cardinal protodeacon, made the traditional Latin proclamation, Habemus papam, announcing Pope Leo XIV to the public for the first time from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.[135][136] According to Italian law enforcement, by the time of the habemus papam announcement, there were up to 150,000 in the square.[137]

Leo appeared wearing the traditional papal stole and mozzetta,[138] vestments Pope Francis did not wear upon his greeting of the world following his election.[139][140] Leo's pectoral cross was one he wore during the conclave, a gift from the Postulator General of the Augustinian Order when he became a cardinal, containing relics from Saint Augustine and his mother Saint Monica, among others.[141] He then delivered his first address to Rome and the world in Italian, advocating for peace and dialogue, expressing gratitude for the legacy of Pope Francis and quoting Saint Augustine; he also greeted his former diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in Spanish. After the speech, he imparted his first Urbi et Orbi blessing in Latin.[142][143][144]

Leo XIV is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and the second pope from the Americas (after Pope Francis), and is counted as the 267th pope.[145][12][146][j] He is a dual citizen of Peru and the United States.[147][148][149] He is the first American pope,[150] in the sense of being the first born in the United States.[151][152][153] He is the second to be a native English speaker, after the English-born Adrian IV (r. 1154–1159), who would have spoken Middle English.[154] Leo is also the first pope born after World War II and during the Cold War, and thus the first to be born in the Baby Boomer generation.[155][156] While Leo is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine,[157][158] six previous popes belonged to other orders which follow the Augustinian Rule, the last one prior to Leo being Pope Eugene IV (1431–1447).[159]

Inauguration
Main article: Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV's first popemobile ride during his inauguration
On May 9, the day after his election, Leo celebrated his first Mass as pope in the Sistine Chapel before the assembled College of Cardinals. During the Mass, he preached against the lack of faith in the world, and spoke of a church that would act as a "beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world".[160] Media reported that Leo would take up permanent residence in the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace rather than in the Domus Sanctae Marthae where Francis lived.[161][162][163]

Leo's inauguration Mass was held on May 18 in St. Peter's Square.[164][165][166] During the Mass, he received the pallium and his Ring of the Fisherman before 12 representatives of the people of God, including cardinals and bishops, who vowed obedience to the new pope.[167] On May 25, he was formally installed as Bishop of Rome in a ceremony at the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.[168]

Post-election reactions and impact
Main article: International reactions to the election of Pope Leo XIV
In Chiclayo, thousands crowded the city square for a Mass of Thanksgiving following Leo's election. Similar Masses were celebrated all over Peru.[169] In the US, over 30,000 Americans gathered at Chicago's Rate Field for a youth-focused celebration with a video message of Leo XIV who urged Catholics to be "beacons of hope".[170]

Political leaders sent their congratulations. President Donald Trump stated that it is "a Great Honor for our Country", while Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, talked about Catholics and other Christians praying "for his successful work leading the Church". The European Council President António Costa said it was "a moment of hope".[171]

Early acts
On June 5, 2025, Leo nominated Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, which was approved by Chinese authorities on June 11 as part of a 2018 agreement between the People's Republic of China and the Holy See under Pope Francis.[172] On July 5, Leo appointed French archbishop Thibault Verny to succeed Seán Patrick O'Malley as president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. O'Malley endorsed the selection, describing Verny as "a collaborative leader committed to advancing the global adoption of protection and safeguarding, to as best possible assure the safety of those in the care of the Church throughout the world."[173] On July 6, Leo revived the papal practice of taking summer residence at the Castel Gandolfo, which Francis had discontinued.[174]

On September 7, 2025, Leo presided over the canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati at a mass in Saint Peter's Square.[175] A month later, his first Apostolic journey, a visit to Turkey and Lebanon, was announced for November 27 through December 2.[176] On November 21, 2025, Leo signed an amendment to the 2023 law allowing women to become president of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State, removing a requirement that would-be officeholders must hold the rank of cardinal.[177] On November 27, 2025, Leo made his first overseas visit as pope, arriving in Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea with Patriarch Bartholomew of the Eastern Orthodox Church;[178][179] while in Istanbul, he visited the Blue Mosque.[180][181] Leo later visited Lebanon, visiting and praying at the site of the 2020 Beirut explosion[182] and later the tomb of Charbel Makhlouf[183] before returning to Rome on December 2.[182]"