Pope Leo XIV

POPE LEO XIV - THE FIRST POPE FROM THE U.S.

Early Life & Formation

• Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1955 to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martinez
• Earned a degree in Mathematics and studied Philosophy at Villanova University (1977).
• Entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977; made solemn vows in 1981.
• Ordained a priest on June 19, 1982 in Rome.
• Earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). 

Missionary & Pastoral Work

• Served over a decade in Trujillo, Peru
• Elected Provincial Prior (1999) and then Prior General of the Augustinians for two terms (2001-2013).

Episcopal Ministry

• Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo, Peru in 2014.
• Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2015 - 2023).
• Served in the Peruvian Episcopal Conference in leadership and advisory roles.

Service in the Universal Church

• Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023.
• Created Cardinal in September 2024 by Pope Francis; assigned the Diaconate of Saint Monica.
• Promoted to the Order of the Bishops with the title of Sububicarian Church of Albano in February 2025.

Motto

• “In Illo uno unum” - “In the One Christ, we are one.” - St. Augustine