A Brief Profile of Pope Leo XIV

A Brief Profile of Pope Leo XIV

“In illo uno unum” — In the One Christ, We Are One

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A Humble Beginning in Chicago

Born to a French-Italian father and a Spanish-Creole mother in Chicago, Robert Prevost was raised in a devout Catholic household that valued education, service, and faith. He earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University before entering the Augustinian order in 1977. He was ordained a priest in 1982, beginning a life of service defined by simplicity and community.

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Missionary Heart, Global Reach

Fr. Prevost served for over a decade as a missionary in Peru, where he worked with the poor, taught in seminaries, and led diocesan development efforts. His experience in Latin America shaped his pastoral priorities — especially his commitment to social justice, education, and the dignity of marginalized communities.

From 2001 to 2013, he served as Prior General of the Augustinian Order, the global head of his religious community. This role gave him deep experience in leadership, international diplomacy, and Church governance.

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Rise in the Vatican

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection and evaluation of Catholic bishops worldwide. He was elevated to Cardinal that same year and quickly gained a reputation as a consensus-builder — deeply spiritual, warm, and wise.

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Elected as Pope Leo XIV

On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Prevost was elected by the College of Cardinals and took the name Pope Leo XIV. His choice of name honors Pope Leo XIII, the great 19th-century pope known for championing workers' rights and engaging Catholic thought with modern society.

His papal motto, “In illo uno unum” (“In the One Christ, We Are One”), reflects his vision for a Church rooted in unity, humility, and dialogue — echoing the spirit of Saint Augustine and the example of Christ.

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A Papacy of Dialogue and Reform

Pope Leo XIV’s leadership signals continuity with the compassionate outreach of Pope Francis but also brings a new emphasis on synodality, simplicity, and social equity. He is expected to focus on:

• Reinvigorating youth engagement in the Church

• Addressing climate justice and economic inequality

• Promoting peace amid global polarization

• Strengthening ties with the Global South

He has already been nicknamed “Father Bob” by many, a sign of his approachability and down-to-earth demeanor.

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Fun Facts

• Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and French

• Avid baseball fan (Chicago White Sox!)

• Loves cooking Peruvian cuisine

• First pope to come from the Order of St. Augustine

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Key Quote

“Let us look to Christ—not as an idea, but as a person who unites what is divided, heals what is wounded, and calls each of us to belong.”