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Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election marks a historic moment as the first American to ascend to the papacy.
But who is Cardinal Prevost?
Robert Francis Prevost, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American Catholic prelate and member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.). He has served in various capacities within the Church, including missionary work in Peru, leadership roles within the Augustinian order, and as a bishop and cardinal.
Early Life and Education
Prevost completed his secondary education at the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977. In the same year, he entered the Augustinian novitiate and took his first vows in 1978, followed by solemn vows in 1981. He obtained a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982. Furthering his studies in Rome, he earned a Licentiate in Canon Law in 1984 and a Doctorate in Canon Law in 1987 from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
Missionary Work and Leadership Roles
Ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, Prevost began his missionary work in Peru in 1985, serving in the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas. From 1988 to 1998, he held various roles in Trujillo, Peru, including community prior, director of formation, and professor of canon law. In 1999, he was elected provincial of the Augustinian Province in Chicago. Subsequently, he served as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
Episcopal Ministry
On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and he was consecrated as a bishop on December 12, 2014. He became the Bishop of Chiclayo on September 26, 2015, serving until 2023. During his tenure, he also served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao from April 2020 to May 2021.
Service in the Roman Curia
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was created a cardinal on September 30, 2023, and later elevated to the rank of Cardinal Bishop of Albano in February 2025.
Languages and Personal Attributes
Cardinal Prevost is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and can read Latin and German. Known for his reserved demeanor and thoughtful approach, he is recognized for his commitment to synodality and unity within the Church.
Kampala report