On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, stepped onto St. Peter’s Basilica balcony as the first American and Peruvian pontiff, a historic moment for the Catholic Church.
At 69, this Chicago-born missionary is the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. Here’s a quick dive into who he is and what his election means for Filipinos and the global Church.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, Prevost grew up in a family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. His parents, Louis, a WWII Navy veteran, and Mildred, a librarian, raised him alongside two brothers.
Prevost’s faith took root early as an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption church. He earned a mathematics degree from Villanova University in 1977, later studying theology and canon law, earning a doctorate in 1987.
Ordained a priest in 1982, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine, a religious community focused on harmony and service.
Prevost’s career is deeply tied to Peru, where he served as a missionary from 1985 to 1998, working as a pastor, teacher, and seminary administrator. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 while serving as Bishop of Chiclayo, a role he held until 2023.
His Latin American experience aligns him with Pope Francis’s legacy, emphasizing outreach to the marginalized. In 2023, Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican role overseeing bishop nominations worldwide.
That same year, he was named a cardinal, boosting his prominence before the conclave.
As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost is the first Augustinian pope and the second from the Americas. His episcopal motto, “In Illo uno unum” (“In Christ who is one, we are one”), reflects his focus on unity.
In his first address, delivered in Italian and Spanish, he called for a “missionary Church” that “builds bridges” and promotes peace, echoing Francis’s themes of compassion and dialogue. He also gave a nod to his former diocese in Chiclayo, Peru.
For Filipino Catholics, who form one of Asia’s largest Catholic populations, Pope Leo XIV’s election could signal continued emphasis on social justice and inclusivity, resonating with the Philippines’ vibrant faith community.
His global perspective, shaped by decades in Peru and Vatican leadership, positions him to address universal challenges while staying rooted in tradition.
The conclave, with 133 cardinals, was notably diverse, reflecting Francis’s efforts to globalize the Church. Prevost’s election after four ballots suggests strong support among peers.
As he steps into this role during the 2025 Jubilee Year, all eyes are on how he’ll guide the Church forward.
