Upon his return to Rome in 2023, Prevost was made acardinal by Pope Francis. As Cardinal Prevost, he emphasizedsynodality, missionary dialogue, and engagement with social and technological challenges. He has also addressed issues such asclimate change, global migration, church governance, and human rights, and expressed alignment with the reforms of theSecond Vatican Council and the direction set for the Church by Francis.
Known as "Rob" to his family and "Bob" to friends as an adult,[13][32][33] Prevost was raised inDolton, Illinois, a suburb bordering the far South Side;his childhood home was purchased by the Village of Dolton after he became pope.[34] He grew up in theparish ofSt. Mary of the Assumption in nearbyRiverdale. His parents were practicing Catholics who were very involved in the parish: Louis was acatechist, a teacher of the faith; while Mildred was an active member of the Rosary andAltar Society, sang in the churchchoir, provided services for the church and went to daily Mass. According to Leo, what influenced him spiritually was his parents' faith, prayer life andMarian devotions ("My parents prayed therosary together their whole lives everyday") and their mutual love.[35][28] His mother would call him and his brothers to go toMass before school at 6:30 a.m., and told them that Jesus "is your best friend," and Mass "a way to find that friend."[36] Leo went to the parishCatholic school, sang in the choir, and served as analtar boy.[13][37][d] Prevost has two older brothers, Louis Martín, and John Joseph.[39] Prevost aspired to thepriesthood from a young age,[32] and would play-act the Mass at home with his brothers.[40]
At the Augustinian seminary, he earned a letter of commendation for academic excellence, consistently appeared on thehonor roll, served asyearbook editor-in-chief, and was secretary of thestudent council and a member of theNational Honor Society.[43][44] He captained the bowling team and headed thespeech and debate team, competing inCongressional Debate.[45][46] Well-liked and highly intelligent, Prevost had a reputation for helping other students as a tutor.[47] Out of several dozen who entered the school with him, Prevost was one of only 13 students in his class to graduate.[9]
University and early priesthood (1973–1998)
University
In 1973, Prevost was planning to attendTolentine College, an Augustinian seminary inOlympia Fields, Illinois,[48] but it closed that same year.[9] He promptly enrolled inVillanova University, an Augustinian college located nearPhiladelphia, where he earned aBachelor of Science (BS) degree in mathematics in 1977.[12][49] At Villanova, he took elective courses inHebrew andLatin (which was seen as unusual because he was not majoring in theology), read the writings ofSaint Augustine, and discussed the work of theologianKarl Rahner with other students.[9] He lived in the Augustinianfriary, and was remembered as "particularly committed... to missionary work," and being "the most community minded" among the students.[50] Prevost also worked as a cemetery groundskeeper at Saint Denis Catholic Church inHavertown, Pennsylvania, while studying at Villanova.[51]
Prevost spent a decade heading the Augustinian seminary inTrujillo, teachingcanon law in the diocesan seminary,[12] serving as prefect of studies, acting as a judge in the regionalecclesiastical court, and working in parish ministry on the city's outskirts, coming into contact with poor farmers and Peruvianindigenous peoples.[66][64]
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mary, Trujillo. As a young missionary, Prevost served in various roles in theArchdiocese of Trujillo.
He proved successful in the Augustinians' efforts to recruit Peruvians for the priesthood and leadership positions in the order.[67] He organized support for Venezuelan refugees to Peru despite discrimination against the Venezuelans.[68]
During theFujimorato era, Prevost criticized the actions of then-PresidentAlberto Fujimori, placing special emphasis on the victims of thePeruvian Army, especially theColina Group, during theperiod of terrorism in Peru, as well as on political corruption. In 2017, he criticized PresidentPedro Pablo Kuczynski's decision topardon Fujimori, and called upon Fujimori "to personally apologize for some of the great injustices that were committed".[69] 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 ofLambayeque.[70] He also stood out as a defender of human rights of the population of theNorte Chico region against the violence of theMarxist–Leninist–Maoist guerrilla organizationShining Path.[71][72] However, Trujilio, the area where Prevost served, was not particularly affected by the Shining Path.[64]
Prior provincial and prior general (1998–2013)
St. Thomas School in Hyde Park, Chicago
In 1998, Prevost was electedPrior Provincial of the Order of St. Augustine'sProvince 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 beensuspended from public ministry since 1991 due to credible accusations that he hadsexually abused minors. Prevost's allowing of the placement of Ray in a friary at the request of theArchdiocese of Chicago and close toSt. Thomas School was the subject of reporting in 2021, prior to his appointment to the Vatican.[73] According to the Augustinians, "the location was selected because of the supervision the priest would receive."[60] After American bishops implemented stricter rules in theDallas Charter, Ray was moved to other housing in 2002.[73][74][e]
ElectedPrior General of the Order of Saint Augustine in 2001, Prevost served two consecutive, six-year terms until 2013.[75] 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 Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio 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 abishop 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.[76]
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]
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".[83][84] He was seen as being "very faithful to theChurch'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.[85] 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.[86] He established a diocesan Commission on Integral Ecology and appointed a woman to lead it.[83] According to interviews done byThe 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"[85]
On July 13, 2019, Prevost was appointed a member of theCongregation for the Clergy,[87] and on April 15, 2020, he became apostolic administrator ofCallao.[88][f] On November 21, 2020, he joined theCongregation for Bishops.[89] Within theEpiscopal 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 toCaritas Peru.[90][91] His presence in the permanent council of the episcopal conference was seen by CardinalJoseph Tobin as "extraordinary for someone who was not born in Peru. Clearly, he has a broad degree of acceptance in the divided group."[92] Prevost had a private audience with Pope Francis on March 1, 2021,[93] sparking speculation about a new role in Chicago or Rome.[94]
Prevost as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2018, commenting on extreme poverty in the region (in Spanish)
Prevost has been accused of covering upsexual abuse during his time in Chiclayo.[95][96] 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.[97] TheDiocese 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 theDicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.[98][99] The sisters stated in 2024 that no full penal canonical investigation occurred, and an investigation byAmérica Televisión concluded that the church's investigation was not thorough.[100][101]
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 resent it to the Vatican, and thus it remains "open up to now."[102]
Speaking to the Peruvian newspaperLa 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."[103][104][g] JournalistPedro Salinas [es], who investigated and exposed crimes committed by members of the now-defunctSodalitium 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 toFrancis's political theology.[105][106]
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][107] On January 30, 2023, Francis appointed Prevost prefect of theDicastery for Bishops with the title Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo.[108][109] Prevost expressed a preference to stay in Peru, but accepted the appointment.[107] He continued to be active in the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council and participated in the council's meetings inAguadilla, Puerto Rico, in May 2023.[110]
Given his focus on mission, the writings of Prevost before his election were few.[120][121] When he was global head of the Augustinians, theRule and Constitutions of the Order of Saint Augustine was "issued by Authority of the Prior General, Robert F. Prevost" in 2002.[122]
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.[123] Much of the commentary see this work as a window to his "vision of the church" and "theology of leadership."[124][125][126]
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."[123] Leadership is based onJesus 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."[124]
Based on St. Augustine's concept, Prevost sees authority as a service.[127] 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."[125]
Pope Leo XIV waving from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in his first public appearance
In pre-conclave speculation, Prevost was considered adark horse compared to more prominentpapabili,[128][129] although he was noted to be an ally of Pope Francis and a possible compromise candidate.[128][130] 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][131] 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 "dignifiedmiddle of the road".[132]
Leo appeared wearing the traditionalpapal stole andmozzetta,[137] vestmentsPope Francis did not wear upon his greeting of the world following his election.[138][139] Hispectoral 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 motherSaint Monica, among others.[140] 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 firstUrbi et Orbi blessing in Latin.[141][142][143]
Pope Leo XIV's firstpopemobile ride during his inauguration
On May 9, the day after his election, Leo celebrated his firstMass as pope in the Sistine Chapel before the assembledCollege 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".[159] Media reported that Leo would take up permanent residence in thepapal apartments in theApostolic Palace rather than in theDomus Sanctae Marthae where Francis lived.[160][161][162]
InChiclayo, thousands crowded the city square for a Mass of Thanksgiving following Leo's election. Similar Masses were celebrated all over Peru.[168] In the US, over 30,000 Americans gathered at Chicago'sRate Field for a youth-focused celebration with a video message of Leo XIV who urged Catholics to be "beacons of hope".[169]
Political leaders sent their congratulations. PresidentDonald Trump stated that it is "a Great Honor for our Country", while Vice PresidentJ.D. Vance, a Catholic, talked about Catholics and other Christians praying "for his successful work leading the Church". The European Council PresidentAntónio Costa said it was "a moment of hope".[170]
Early acts
On June 5, 2025, Leo nominated Joseph Lin Yuntuan asauxiliary 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.[171] On July 5, Leo appointed French archbishopThibault Verny to succeedSeán Patrick O'Malley as president of thePontifical 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."[172] On July 6, Leo revived the papal practice of taking summer residence at theCastel Gandolfo, which Francis had discontinued.[173]
According to CardinalFernando Chomalí of Chile, Leo told him that the choice of papal name is based on his concern about the world's cultural shifts, a type ofCopernican Revolution involvingartificial intelligence androbotics. Chomalí said: "He was inspired byLeo XIII, who amid theIndustrial Revolution wroteRerum novarum launching an important dialogue between the church and the modern world."[180] Leo himself explained that "the church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response toanother industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor."[181][182][183]
In a May 2023 interview, Prevost stressed the need for prudence and responsibility on using social media to preclude "fueling divisions and controversy" and doing "damage to the communion of the Church."[184] This view is in line with his tendency to speak "with caution and great deliberation", as Christopher White, the Vatican correspondent of theNational Catholic Reporter, described him.[185]
TheNational Catholic Reporter stated that Leo XIV is committed toecumenism with otherChristian denominations.[186] Athis inauguration, he referenced "sister Christian Churches" and prayed for "a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world."[187][188][56] Leo XIV's first international trip as pontiff will be toTurkey at the end of November, to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of theFirst Council of Nicaea with other Christians.[186]
Pope Leo has said religious freedom is "not optional but essential". During an audience with pontifical charityAid to the Church in Need, before the launch of its Religious Freedom in the World Report in October 2025, Leo said that the right to religious freedom is "a cornerstone of any just society, for it safeguards the moral space in which conscience may be formed and exercised", adding that "religious freedom, therefore, is not merely a legal right or a privilege granted to us by governments; it is a foundational condition that makes authentic reconciliation possible."[189]
Church policy
The new pope's first message emphasized the greeting of peace of the risen Jesus "who gave his life for God's flock", giving "an unarmed and disarming peace".[190] Leo said he wanted to continue thekerygmatic blessing of Pope Francis: "God cares for you, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands."[190] The themes in his first message included Jesus aslight needed by the world, becoming a missionary church through dialogue and openness, fidelity to the Gospel, walking together in synodality, working as a united church for peace and justice, closeness to the suffering, andpraying to Mary. Twice he mentioned the need of not having fear, and emphasized God's help to "build bridges" for "all of us to be one people always in peace."[190]
Leo XIV's episcopal motto isIn illo Uno unum ("In the One, we are one").[12] On the official start of his pontificate, during theinaugural Mass, he requested that "our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world."[193] Noting that there is "too much discord" in the world, he stressed that "the two dimensions of the mission" of the papacy is "love and unity", as its authority is "a question of loving as Jesus did."[194][195]
Discussing theordination of women in October 2023, Prevost stated that the "very significant and long tradition of the church" makes it impossible to consider women as priests and that "the apostolic tradition is something that has been spelled out very clearly." By contrast, he observed that the possibility of women deacons has been the subject of two Vatican commissions, demonstrating "openness to giving consideration" to that question. He also cautioned that the ordination of women as deacons "doesn't necessarily solve a problem" and could create new issues.[196][197][198] Commenting on Pope Francis's 2023 appointment of three women as members of the Dicastery for Bishops, which he headed, he noted that their perspectives often align with other members but can introduce new valuable viewpoints.[199]
As a cardinal, Prevost was a vocal proponent ofsynodality, one of Pope Francis's signature initiatives. Prevost suggested that the participation and co-responsibility of all the faithful could address the polarization in the church.[185] In May 2023, Prevost said thatepiscopal leadership should prioritize faith over administration. The first priority is to "communicate the beauty of the faith, the beauty and joy of knowing Jesus."[184] Also in May 2023, Prevost said he has faith that "the Holy Spirit is [...] pushing us towards a renewal."[184] He stated that all the faithful are "called to the great responsibility of living what I call a new attitude," which is "to listen first of all to the Holy Spirit, to what He is asking of the Church."[184]
Liturgical and ceremonial practice
Pope Leo XIV presiding over his inaugural papal Mass
During his service inPeru, Prevost was described as an "impeccable dresser" when it came to celebrating the Mass, wearing full vestments even when summer temperatures rose above 85 °F (about 29 °C) in Chiclayo.[59][200][85] Prevost described himself as "very obedient" in liturgical matters, and urged that the liturgy be prepared "in the best way possible."[201] In August 2024, speaking to a Chicago-area parish, Prevost stated that "liturgy needs to be beautiful to help us, to strengthen us in our faith."[202] In his first Mass in theSistine Chapel as pope, he chose to use apapal ferula, or ceremonial staff, made forBenedict XVI and seldom used by Francis.[203][204] The mozzetta worn after his election, and Benedict's ferula signaled to some a "return to normal" in the Holy See following the Francis papacy.[205][206] However, during his Inauguration Mass in St Peter's Square on May 18, 2025, Leo XIV used the ferula of Pope Paul VI which is most commonly associated with Pope John Paul II, and frequently used by Francis.[207][208][209][210] Pope Leo XIV received another pectoral cross upon his election, which he has been wearing instead of the one he wore during the conclave and his first appearance as pope. This one is silver, with relics of St.Leo the Great, St. Augustine, St.Thomas of Villanova, and BlessedAnselmo Polanco Fontecha.[211] He also chose to restore the custom of the pope himself giving archbishops thepallium, which had been altered by Francis in 2015.[212][213] In September 2025, it was announced that Leo had given permission for theTridentine Mass to be said in St. Peter's Basilica the following month, the first time such permission had been granted since the promulgation ofTraditionis custodes in 2021.[214][215]
Social and political issues
Overview
Within the context of church politics and theology, Prevost has been seen as a moderate or centrist, neither liberal nor conservative.[216] In April 2025, the Italian newspaperla Repubblica stated that Prevost was seen as a "cosmopolitan and shy figure" who was "appreciated by conservatives and progressives" within the church.[217][k] In line with the church's official positions, Prevost opposesabortion,euthanasia,same-sex marriage and thedeath penalty.[219]
LGBTQ+ issues
Prevost expressed reservations about "sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the gospel" and did not fully endorse or rejectFiducia supplicans, a declaration concerning blessings for people in asame-sex relationship. He stated that national bishops' conferences should "interpret and apply such directives in their local contexts, given cultural differences."[220]Víctor Manuel Fernández, the head of the Vatican doctrine office, toldIl Messaggero in July 2025 that he thought the blessing of those in same-sex unions, which had been approved under Pope Francis, would continue under Pope Leo. In May 2025, CardinalJean-Claude Hollerich toldLa Stampa that he believed Leo "might re-interpret"Fiducia Supplicans, but not "abolish" it.[221][222]
In 2012, Prevost criticized popular culture's sympathy for the "homosexual lifestyle" and same-sex families.[132] In April 2016, he opposed the inclusion of "gender ideology" in Peruvian primary school curricula,[223] stating it promotes "genders that don't exist".[132] When asked in 2023 byCatholic News Service whether his views from 2012 had changed, Prevost said that "many things have changed" and emphasized the church should be more open and welcoming though he cautioned that church doctrine has not changed.[224][225]
In May 2025, Leo XIV said that it was up to governments to build peaceful societies "above all by investing in the family, founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman."[226] In September 2025, Leo told ReverendJames J. Martin, a major advocate for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church, that he would continue Francis' legacy of welcoming LGBTQ+ people into the Church, with Martin tellingThe Associated Press that their discussion "was very consoling and very encouraging and frankly a lot of fun."[227]
Geopolitics
During his time in Chiclayo, Prevost remained relatively politically neutral on national issues. However, in the midst of thePeruvian protests in 2023, he stated: "The deaths during the protests cause me great sadness and pain [...] I asked to stay in Peru; I even made that request to the Holy Father. It wasn't the time to leave."[228] He has also expressed support for the plight of Venezuelan refugees in Peru.[229][230] With regards toclimate change, Prevost has advocated for stronger church action, stating in a November 2024 seminar that "dominion over nature" should not be "tyrannical".[146]
On geopolitics, Prevost has consistently advocated against armed conflict. He denounced theRussian invasion of Ukraine, describing it as "a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power",[231] and in one of his first major speeches as pope, Leo called for a ceasefire in theGaza war,[232][233][234] later praising Trump's then-proposedGaza peace plan as "realistic."[235] Following theIsraeli strikes on Iran in June 2025, he urged Iranian and Israeli authorities to act with "reason".[236] On August 27, Leo said, "I beg for a permanent ceasefire to be reached, the safe entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated and humanitarian law to be fully respected."[237]TheWashington Post reported in September 2025 that Leo said the Vatican "at this time" cannot define the war as a "genocide", but he also noted that more and more people have described it as such.[238] Leo also issued prayers for those affected by theclashes in southern Syria and the2025 Cambodia–Thailand clashes.[239] In November 2025, Leo criticized the United States'military strikes against alleged drug traffickers nearVenezuela, warning that they were "increasing tension" and calling for diplomatic dialogue between the two countries.[240]
In hisPentecost homily soon after his election as Pope, Leo criticized the "exclusionary mindset" displayed by variousnationalist movements. TheHoly Spirit "breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred", he said.[241] To Leo, areas advertised as "security zones" had the effect of "separating us from our neighbors" and spreading "prejudice". He proclaimed that the Church needed to "open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race."[241] Leo additionally condemnedfemicide during the homily, calling it both painful and tragic and attributing it to "an unhealthy desire for domination."[242][243]
On the social media platform X (formerlyTwitter), Prevost's former account reposted posts critical of US immigration policies under PresidentDonald Trump and Vice PresidentJD Vance.[248] He has also expressed support forCOVID-19 vaccination during theCOVID-19 pandemic and sympathy forGeorge Floyd andprotesters.[22] His X account which he used prior to his election as pope has since been deleted and he is currently using the official @Pontifex handle, inherited from Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.[249] As Pope, Leo avoided discussing US politics for the first few months of his pontificate, but in September 2025 reiterated past criticisms of the second Trump administration, remarking to a group of journalists that "someone who says 'I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,' I don't know if that's pro-life."[250][235] White House press secretaryKaroline Leavitt denied Leo's claims of maltreatment.[251] That October, Leo urged labor unions in his home city of Chicago to fight for immigrants' rights. In November, he called for a "deep reflection" about American immigration policy and asked that detainees' "spiritual rights" be upheld via access to clergy.[240]
Personal life
In addition to his native English, Leo speaks Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, along with some German. He can also read Latin.[113][252][253] During his time in Peru, Leo learned a little of one of theQuechuan languages.[254][255] He has described himself as "quite the amateur tennis player".[256] He is the first pope who writes his own emails and wears a smartwatch, specifically anApple Watch.[257] He regularly playsWordle andWords with Friends with his brothers.[258][259]
As a teenager, he enjoyed driving recreationally.[40] Throughout his life, he has frequently preferreddriving long distances for journeys where most people would prefer to fly, such as from Philadelphia to Chicago, Brisbane to Sydney, and Chiclayo to Lima.[9] He also repaired cars himself as a bishop in Chiclayo.[269]
For two years before becoming pope, Prevost, aged 68–69, would go two to three times a week to a gym for an hour, with a workout plan designed for men aged 50–55, focusing on posture and cardiovascular health. His personal trainer recalled Prevost's stamina and his being "always positive about everything".[270]
During his time as bishop of Chiclayo, aside from dailyMass celebrated at 8 p.m. to ensure a clear mind, Prevost hadperiods of prayer at the beginning of the day and before dinner. He prayedlauds in the morning at the Cathedral and theRosary with his priest colleagues around noon.[85]
Per bend sinister azure and argent, in the first, afleur-de-lis argent, in the second, aheart enflamed pierced by an arrow bendwise sinister, all gules, upon a book proper.[274]
Motto
IN ILLO UNO UNUM (Latin for 'In the One, [we are] one')
Fleur-de-lis : Associated with theVirgin Mary, symbolizing purity and innocence.
Augustinian emblem : Emblem of theOrder of Saint Augustine, in reference to Leo XIV being a member of the Augustinian Order. Thischarge displays a red heart pierced by an arrow and resting on a closed book.
^While working in Peru and Latin America as bishop (2015–2023), Prevost customarily used the name "Robert Francis Prevost Martínez" in accordance withHispanic naming customs, as Martínez is his mother's family name.[4][5][6][7]
^St. Mary's Church in Dolton was closed in 2011.[38]
^That Ray was allowed to live at the friary was first reported by theChicago Sun-Times in 2021, based on documents the church made public in 2014.[74]
^His role in Callao ended upon the installation of a new bishop there on May 26, 2021.
^This interview was conducted while Prevost was bishop but was published after he was elected pope.[104]
^Prevost's plan to take possession of Albano on May 12 were cancelled when the conclave to elect Francis' successor was scheduled.[118]
^He is the 265th person to become pope asPope Benedict IX was elected three times.
^The positions of cardinals are difficult to pinpoint in political terms and different labels, more specific to the Church's context likesinodali (supporters of synodality),lealisti (loyalists, the supporters of the reigning pope), andtradizionalisti (traditionalists), are applied. Nonetheless, Prevost was generally seen as a "reformer of the Bergoglian area", not far from other more progressive names likePietro Parolin andLuis Antonio Tagle, and more moderate than others likeRobert Walter McElroy andMatteo Maria Zuppi.[218]
References
^"Pope Leo XIV's motto and coat of arms".vaticannews.va. May 10, 2025. Archived fromthe original on May 10, 2025. RetrievedMay 12, 2025.Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition:In Illo uno unum, which means "In the One, we are one". The phrase is taken from Saint Augustine's Exposition on Psalm 127, where he explains that "although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one".
^"¡Hasta pronto Monseñor Robert! - Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo" [See you soon Monsignor Robert! - Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo Catholic University].Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo (in Spanish). April 4, 2023.Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. RetrievedMay 29, 2025.Este 3 de abril, en el despacho del Obispado, autoridades de la universidad se reunieron para reconocer, agradecer y despedir a Monseñor Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, quien deja hoy la comunidad universitaria USAT para asumir nuevos encargos en el corazón de la Iglesia como Prefecto del Dicasterio para los Obispos del mundo. [On April 3, in the Bishop's office, university authorities gathered to recognize, thank and bid farewell to Monsignor Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, who today leaves the USAT university community to assume new responsibilities in the heart of the Church as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Bishops of the World.]
^Morillo, Ángel (May 17, 2023)."Monseñor Robert Prevost a la 39.ª Asamblea General del Celam: "Escuchemos al Espíritu"" [Monsignor Robert Prevost to the 39th General Assembly of Celam: "Let us listen to the Spirit".].ADN Celam (in Spanish). RetrievedMay 29, 2025.Monseñor Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, prefecto del Dicasterio para los Obispos y presidente de la Pontificia Comisión para América Latina (PCAL), ha presidido la eucaristía de este miércoles, 17 de mayo, en el marco de la 39.ª Asamblea General Ordinaria del Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano y Caribeño (Celam). [Monsignor Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (PCAL), presided at the Eucharist on Wednesday, May 17, during the 39th Ordinary General Assembly of the Council of Latin American and Caribbean Bishops (Celam).]
^"Otorgan títulos de "Doctor Honoris Causa" a tres líderes de la Iglesia Católica" [Three leaders of the Catholic Church receive honorary doctorate degrees].Andina (in Spanish). RetrievedMay 29, 2025.En ceremonia solemne, la Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo (USAT) invistió con el título de 'Doctor Honoris Causa' a tres líderes de la Iglesia Católica: Cardenal José Tolentino de Mendoça, Cardenal Robert Prevost Martínez y Monseñor Jesús Moliné Labarta. [In a solemn ceremony, the Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo (USAT) conferred the title of 'Doctor Honoris Causa' to three leaders of the Catholic Church: Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendoça, Cardinal Robert Prevost Martínez and Monsignor Jesús Moliné Labarta.]
^abRocca, Francis X. (May 8, 2025)."The Conclave Just Did the Unthinkable".The Atlantic. RetrievedMay 30, 2025.Until today, nearly every Vatican insider agreed on one thing: The United States would never produce a pope, at least not while the country remains a superpower. A citizen of the world's dominant nation could not become the leader of the world's largest religious organization without dramatically upsetting the global balance of geopolitical and cultural power. Or so the thinking went.
^Faiola, Anthony (September 18, 2025)."Pope Leo, in new biography, resists doctrinal change on hot-button topics".The Washington Post.ISSN0190-8286. RetrievedSeptember 18, 2025.He voices frustration over failures to ease the suffering in Gaza, but says the Vatican "at this time" cannot define the war as a "genocide" (although he notes that more and more people have described it as such).
^Faiola, Anthony (September 18, 2025)."Pope Leo, in new biography, resists doctrinal change on hot-button topics".The Washington Post.ISSN0190-8286. RetrievedSeptember 18, 2025.He addresses his dual nationality — with the Illinois-born White Sox fan seeing himself as culturally American, while also embracing Latin America and more specifically, his adoptive homeland of Peru where he served as a missionary and bishop in the poor diocese of Chiclayo. (Spoiler alert: In a theoretical World Cup match up against the United States, he would root for the Land of the Inca.)
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