Robert Francis Prevost, the first Pope from the United States, brings to the papacy not only a background in missionary work in Peru but also a deep understanding of the inner workings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Now known as Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago native was entrusted by his predecessor, Pope Francis, with leading the powerful Dicastery for Bishops — the Vatican department responsible for advising the pontiff on episcopal appointments. This appointment reflected Francis’s confidence in Prevost, particularly in light of his commitment to the Church’s “peripheries” — the overlooked regions that Francis has long prioritised — and his reputation as a bridge-builder and moderate within the Curia.

Prevost, 69, formerly served as Archbishop-Bishop Emeritus of Chiclayo in northern Peru. He was elevated to cardinal in 2023 after being named prefect of the dicastery — one of the Vatican’s most influential departments. The role brought him into close contact with key figures within the Church, positioning him as a frontrunner among American cardinals for the papacy.

Observers in Rome often cited his pastoral approach, global perspective, and ability to navigate the Vatican’s complex bureaucracy as distinguishing traits. The Italian newspaper La Repubblica described him as “the least American of the Americans” for his soft-spoken manner and diplomatic style.

His solid grounding in canon law has also appealed to more conservative cardinals, who seek a renewed focus on theological rigour.

Following the death of Pope Francis, Prevost expressed a sense of urgency about continuing the Church’s mission.
“There is still so much to do,” he told Vatican News last month. “We can’t stop; we can’t turn back. We must discern how the Holy Spirit wants the Church to be today and tomorrow, because today’s world is not the same as that of ten or twenty years ago.

“The message remains the same: proclaim Jesus Christ, proclaim the Gospel. But the methods of reaching today’s people — young people, the poor, politicians — must adapt,” he said.

Born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Prevost began his religious journey as a novice at a minor seminary of the Order of St Augustine in St Louis. He later earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University, an Augustinian institution in Philadelphia.

In 1982, he completed a master’s degree in divinity at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, followed by a doctorate in canon law in Rome. A polyglot, he embarked on his first missionary posting to Peru in 1985, spending nearly a decade there in pastoral service.

After returning to Chicago in 1999, Prevost was appointed provincial prior of the Augustinians in the US Midwest and later served as the order’s prior general worldwide.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, marking his return to Peru.

Nearly a decade later, in 2023, Prevost was appointed head of the Dicastery for Bishops, following the resignation of Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who stepped down due to age-related reasons amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The Vatican later dismissed the case against Ouellet due to insufficient evidence.

Prevost also serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.