Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected on the second day of the papal conclave at the Vatican, making history as the first American to become pope.
Prevost, taking the name Leo XIV, is a Chicago native, but has strong ties to the Philadelphia area — he graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1977. He also received an honorary Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from the University in 2014.
“What a proud and extraordinary day for Villanova University and the global Church,” Villanova University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA said in a letter to students. “A new Pope brings fresh perspectives, renewed priorities and spiritual guidance, all of which can deepen our mission, strengthen our values and enrich our community.”
The Philadelphia community is invited to celebrate with a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV, which will take place Friday, May 9, at 12:05 p.m. at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Early formation, mission work
In 1977, Prevost joined the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, located in Saint Louis, and professed his vows on Aug. 29, 1981. He later pursued theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he earned a diploma in theology.
At 27, the Order sent him to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982. After earning his licentiate in canon law in 1984, he was sent to Peru, where he served in the mission of Chulucanas, in the region of Piura, from 1985 to 1986.
In 1987, he was awarded a doctorate in canon law. That same year, he was appointed director of vocations and director of missions for the Augustinian Province of Mother of Good Counsel, based in Illinois.
The following year, he returned to Peru, this time to Trujillo, where he took on the task of leading a joint formation program for Augustinian aspirants. During his time in Peru, Prevost served as community prior (1988–1992), director of formation (1988–1998), and instructor for professed members (1992–1998).
Within the Archdiocese of Trujillo, he also held the role of judicial vicar (1989–1998) and taught canon law, patristics, and moral theology at the Major Seminary of San Carlos e San Marcelo.
In 1999, he was elected Provincial Prior of the Province of Mother of Good Counsel in Chicago, a role that marked a significant step in his leadership within the Order. Just two and a half years later, during the Ordinary General Chapter, he was chosen as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine—a responsibility he carried for two terms, having been re-elected in 2007.
After completing his service as Prior General, Prevost returned to his home province in Chicago in October 2013. There, he took up the roles of teacher for the professed and Provincial Vicar.
On Nov. 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, naming him a bishop. Prevost was ordained a bishop on Dec. 12, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He officially began his ministry as Bishop of Chiclayo on Nov. 26, 2015.
Vatican appointments
In March 2018, Prevost was elected Second Vice President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. The following year, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy, and in 2020, a member of the Congregation for Bishops—an affirmation of his experience and trustworthiness within the global Church.
On April 15, 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao. Then, on Jan. 30, 2023, a new chapter began when Pope Francis named him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—one of the most significant positions in the Roman Curia, responsible for overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide. Alongside this, he was also appointed President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
On Sept. 30, 2023, Pope Francis proclaimed him a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church. Prevost was assigned the Deaconry of Santa Monica, honoring his lifelong commitment to service, community, and the Augustinian tradition.
Less than a year later, the College of Cardinals elected him Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American ever to assume the papacy.
