Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, publicly entrusted his papacy to Our Lady of Guadalupe during his inaugural Mass on May 9, 2025. This bold gesture reflects his nearly two decades of missionary service in Peru, where he developed a profound connection to Latin American spirituality. Born in Chicago in 1955, he served as Bishop of Chiclayo for nine years before his historic election. His devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe shapes his vision for unity and global inclusivity, a commitment that extends throughout his leadership.
How does a mathematician from Chicago become the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide? For Robert Francis Prevost, the answer involves decades of missionary work, a deep devotion to unity, and an unwavering commitment to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
From mathematics professor to shepherd of billions through missionary service, unity, and Marian devotion
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and joined the Order of Saint Augustine, later becoming the first Augustinian pope in history. His journey took him to Peru in 1985, where he served as a missionary for nearly two decades. This experience shaped his global perspective and connected him profoundly to Latin American spirituality, particularly devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. He often highlighted prayer as communication with God as central to that spirituality.
Prevost’s leadership skills emerged early. He was elected head of the Chicago province in 1999, then served as Prior General of the worldwide Augustinian order from 2001 to 2013, winning reelection for a second term. During his time as prior general, he was based in Rome and traveled extensively to provinces and missions worldwide as part of his leadership responsibilities.
In 2014, he was ordained bishop on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a date that held deep significance for his ministry. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, for nine years and briefly led Callao from April 2020 to May 2021.
Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, where he evaluated episcopal candidates worldwide and oversaw the addition of three women to the dicastery. He was created cardinal on September 30, 2023, receiving the deaconry of Santa Monica degli Agostiniani.
In 2025, he was elected pope, becoming the first pontiff born in the United States and the second from the Americas after Francis. His Afro-Caribbean maternal roots and dual Peruvian citizenship reflect a Pan-American identity that transcends his American origins.
Taking the name Leo XIV to signal commitment to social justice like Leo XIII, he celebrated his first Mass as pope on May 9, 2025. During his inauguration, he addressed his “querida” diocese of Chiclayo, demonstrating his enduring connection to Peru.
His episcopal motto, “In illo Uno unum” (“In the One, we are one”), reflects his emphasis on unity and love. By entrusting his historic pontificate to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Pope Leo XIV honors both his missionary roots and his vision for a Church that welcomes all.
