Habemus Papam!

We joyfully welcome our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of St. Peter, Bishop of Rome, and Servant of the Servants of God.

Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955 in suburban Chicago IL, U.S.A. In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, based in Saint Louis, MO. He gave his solemn vows in 1981, received a diploma in theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, and was ordained a priest in 1982.

In his first Urbi et Orbi Message after his election on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo fondly greeted the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru in Spanish. He had served as their bishop for nine years, building on over 30 years of service in Augustinian missions throughout Peru, as the order's Prior General in Rome, and in his native United States. The new pope thanked the Church of Chiclayo for being “a faithful people [that] has accompanied its Bishop, shared its faith and given so much to continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.”

In April 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to head the highly influential Dicastery for Bishops, which helps the pope oversee and appoint bishops worldwide. As prefect, Archbishop Prevost was able to forge new global connections as he met with Cardinals, archbishops, and bishops from around the world, and accompanied them on Ad Limina visits with Pope Francis. He built on the experience he gained as Prior General of the Augustinians, especially his familiarity with Rome's inner workings and the dynamics of a global leadership experience role. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in the Consistory of September 30, 2023.

Pope Leo is an avid fan of music, art, and sports, including tennis and “America's pastime,” baseball. He is the first anglophone pope, and is fluent in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and speaks a bit of German, Quechua, and Latin. He's been described as personable, studious, and a patient listener, as well as strongly decisive when needed. While his style and personality may be more introverted than Pope Francis, he has given a clear signal of continuity with his immediate predecessor's aims and perspectives, beginning with his first Urbi et Orbi Message.

We heartily congratulate Pope Leo, and pray that his ministry as Chief Shepherd of the Church is filled with courage, wisdom, and the hope of the Gospel.