Catholic Church Elects Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as New Pope

Pope Leo XIV

The College of Cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new leader of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis. The selection marks a significant milestone, highlighting Prevost’s decades of dedicated service, global experience, and commitment to the Church’s mission.

Background of the New Pope

Born in Chicago in the 1960s, Robert Francis Prevost’s journey to the papacy is rooted in a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual influences. Growing up in a household frequented by priests and surrounded by the aromas of his mother Mildred Martínez’s Spanish cuisine, Prevost’s early life was steeped in faith and community. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, served as a catechist, further inspiring his spiritual calling.

From serving as an altar boy to attending parish school, Prevost’s positive experiences within his local church fostered his desire to pursue priesthood. After careful discernment, he chose to join the Augustinian order, valuing its emphasis on unity, communion, and the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo.

Academic and Ecclesiastical Path

Prevost’s theological journey took him to Rome, where he studied canon law at the Angelicum University. Ordained in 1982 by Archbishop Jean Jadot, he soon embarked on missionary work in Peru’s northwestern territory of Chulucanas. His decade-long service there involved roles as community prior, director of formation, judicial vicar, and professor, deepening his commitment to global ministry.

Leadership in the Church

In 1999, Prevost was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians in the United States. His leadership was marked by a controversial decision in 2000, when he permitted a priest accused of sexually abusing minors to reside near a Catholic school at the archdiocese’s request—a move that drew scrutiny in later years.

Elevated to leadership beyond his order, Prevost served as prior general of the Augustinian order from 2001 to 2013, overseeing the worldwide congregation. Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the Chiclayo diocese in Peru in 2014, later naming him bishop of the diocese in 2015, where he served in a diverse and challenging environment.

Controversies and Recent Roles

Prevost’s tenure as bishop faced allegations in 2022 of inadequate investigation into abuse claims, which the diocese denied when the cases gained international attention in 2024. Despite these controversies, he was appointed as a member of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2020 and later became its prefect in 2023, tasked with overseeing the selection of Latin Rite bishops worldwide.

A Man of Obedience and Faith

Throughout his career, Prevost’s guiding principle has been obedience—an unwavering commitment rooted in his vows as an Augustinian. Reflecting on his calling, he once told Pope Francis that he was willing to accept any role the Church assigned him, embodying humility and dedication.

His appointment as pope comes at a pivotal moment for the Church, with Prevost seen as a leader aligned with Pope Francis’s vision of humility, pastoral care, and global outreach. Known for his diplomatic skills and deep faith, he aims to shepherd the Church through contemporary challenges with compassion and resolve.

Looking Ahead

As Cardinal Prevost steps into the papacy at age 69, he is poised to lead the Catholic Church into a new era. His background, marked by international service, theological depth, and a steadfast commitment to obedience, positions him as a figure capable of uniting diverse voices within the Church and advancing its mission worldwide.

While his tenure will undoubtedly face challenges, the Church’s global community is hopeful that his leadership will inspire renewal, faith, and hope for millions around the world.