Profile of Pope Leo XIV, the Successor to Pope Francis from the United States | Gita Blog Sport
Gitablogsport.com - The figure of Pope Leo XIV has garnered global attention, especially among the Catholic community. He was recently elected as the 267th Pope, succeeding Pope Francis who passed away in April 2025.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church officially welcomed its new spiritual leader, Pope Leo XIV. Born as Robert Francis Prevost, he made history as the first Pope from the United States.
So, who exactly is Pope Leo XIV? Here's a comprehensive profile of the newly elected Pontiff.
Biography of Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV was chosen as the 267th head of the Catholic Church, replacing Pope Francis who passed away in April 2025. His election marked a historic milestone as the first American to ascend to the papacy.
According to Vatican News, his full name is Robert Francis Prevost. He was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Coming from a family with French, Italian, and Spanish heritage, his father was Louis Marius Prevost and his mother was Mildred MartÃnez. Raised in a devout Catholic household, Robert grew up deeply rooted in faith.
He began his education at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and later graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Villanova University, Pennsylvania, in 1977.
In September 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in Saint Louis and took his solemn vows on August 29, 1981.
At the age of 27, Robert was sent to Rome to pursue studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica in Rome.
He completed his licentiate before serving on a mission in Peru from 1985 to 1986.
Church Career of Pope Leo XIV
- 1985–1998: Served the Augustinian mission in Peru, taught canon law in Trujillo seminary, and was appointed prefect.
- 1998–2002: Returned to the U.S. and served as Provincial of the Augustinian Order in Chicago.
- 2002–2014: Held the position of Prior of the Order of Saint Augustine.
- 2014: Appointed as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and ordained as a bishop.
- 2023: Elevated to Cardinal and named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis.
- May 8, 2025: Elected as Pope Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis.
Reason Behind the Name Leo XIV
Upon his election, Robert chose the papal name Leo XIV, inspired by Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903). He aimed to revive the spirit of social reform once championed by Leo XIII in the 19th century.
By adopting this name, he underscored his dedication to the Church’s social teachings and pastoral renewal.
Although born in the United States, Pope Leo XIV shares strong cultural and emotional ties with Latin America, likely shaped by his missionary experience in Peru.