Robert Prevost was born in Chicago, on a late summer day, September 14, 1955, (Feast of the Holy Cross) into a family whose roots stretched from Europe to Latin America. Robert Francis Prevost (his birth name) is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish heritage. ¹ He was the youngest of three brothers, growing up with siblings who would later remain close to him throughout his priestly life. ²

From a young age, “Bob” was steeped in a devout Catholic home. His mother brought the children to daily Mass, while his father taught catechism. These rhythms of prayer and service formed him early in discipline, humility, and love for the Church. ³

His education carried him to Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1977.⁴ Yet alongside mathematics, he developed a curiosity for languages, philosophy, and especially the writings of St. Augustine. Immediately after graduation, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine. He made his first profession in 1978 and solemn vows in 1981.⁵

Ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, in Rome, Prevost pursued advanced theological and canonical studies. He earned a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1984 and, in 1987, defended his doctoral dissertation at the Angelicum: “The Office and Authority of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine.” ⁶

Not long after, his first missionary assignment took him to northern Peru, where he served in Chulucanas in Piura. There, he lived with, prayed with, and served some of the poorest and most remote communities. Over more than a decade, he held roles as prior, formation director, seminary professor, judicial vicar, and parish pastor. ⁷

Later roles built on this foundation. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo. In 2015 he became its bishop, even acquiring Peruvian citizenship during those years. ⁸ By 2020, he was called to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a role that placed him at the heart of episcopal governance worldwide. Finally, on May 8, 2025, he was elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.⁹

What emerges from his story is a synthesis: an academic mind sharpened by canonical precision, an Augustinian heart molded by missionary and parish life, and a leader forged at the intersection of two hemispheres. His life up to the papacy is both deeply rooted and broadly expansive.

We see pastoral care, priest among the people. Knows at least, awareness temporal needs of the flock in South America, lived poverty in a unique manner. Has both potential more practicality, but also unfortunately, skewed understanding liberation theology, errors in thinking about the poor. Must pray for him with this deformation in mind.

Communists usurping Church’s language preferential option for the poor. Poverty is only material. Poorest of the poor spiritual poverty though materially wealthy.

Liberation Theology & Seamless Garment blossoms from the same root

Notes

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