Pope Leo XIV is the newly elected head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State. His papacy began on May 8, 2025, when he was elected as the 267th pope. Born Robert Francis Prevost, he’s an Augustinian friar and a Villanova University alumnus. Here’s what we know about him so far ¹:
- Background: Born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982.
- Education: He holds degrees from Villanova University (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics), Catholic Theological Union (Master of Divinity), and the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas (licentiate and doctorate in canon law).
- Career: Prevost served as prior general of the Augustinians, bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
- Notable traits: Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership style is expected to reflect these qualities.
As the first Pope from the United States and the first Augustinian friar to be elected pontiff, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is likely to bring new perspectives to the Catholic Church ¹. (Source: Meta AI)
