Robert Francis Prevost, now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV, has officially taken the seat as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The announcement came late Thursday evening as white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the end of the papal conclave and the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV brings with him a unique blend of American and Peruvian heritage and deep-rooted Augustinian spirituality. At 69 years old, he becomes the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and the first pope to hold dual citizenship from Peru and the United States. His election also marks only the second time a pontiff has hailed from the Americas, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis of Argentina.
The son of Louis Marius Prevost, who was of French and Italian ancestry, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent, Pope Leo XIV was raised alongside two siblings: Louis Martín and John Joseph. His multicultural upbringing and bilingual fluency have shaped his global vision for the Church.
Early Life and Education
Prevost’s spiritual journey began early. In 1977, he earned a degree in Mathematics from Villanova University, Pennsylvania. But it was in the same year, on September 1, that he took a life-changing step by entering the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in Saint Louis, part of the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Chicago.
After taking his first profession in 1978 and solemn vows in 1981, he pursued theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. At age 27, he moved to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
A Lifetime of Missionary and Ecclesiastical Work
Pope Leo XIV spent a significant portion of his clerical life in Peru, where he served in various roles—parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary professor, and administrator—between 1985 and 1998. His work in Latin America made him deeply familiar with the pastoral challenges faced in developing regions.
In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Augustinians, a position he held for 12 years until 2013. This period marked his rise as a respected leader in global Catholic circles. Following this, he returned to Peru and served as the Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
From Cardinal to Pope
Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, recognizing his leadership qualities and dedication to ecclesial reforms. He was also made President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and elevated to the rank of cardinal—a pivotal step that eventually led to his papal candidacy.
Now, in 2025, he has become Pope Leo XIV, a name that underscores his commitment to justice, peace, and social teaching—as emphasized in his very first public message as pope.
Family, Faith, and Personal Values
Known for his humility and warmth, Pope Leo XIV is described by Fr. Alejandro Moral, the Prior General of the Augustinians and a long-time friend, as someone who speaks immediately of justice, bridges between all people, and synodality—a reference to inclusive and collective Church governance.
He remains close to his family despite the demands of his position. His brother Louis Martín continues to live in the U.S., while John Joseph has reportedly maintained ties with the Catholic education community.
Pope Leo XIV’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Though exact financial details are undisclosed, it’s estimated that as a cardinal, Robert Prevost may have earned a monthly salary ranging between €4,000 and €5,000. However, now that he is pope, he receives no formal salary.
In line with long-standing Vatican tradition, the pope’s expenses—housing, healthcare, travel, and daily needs—are covered by the Holy See. That said, Pope Leo XIV is not known to have amassed personal wealth. Financial analysts estimate his net worth to be under $500,000, largely due to his lifelong service in religious institutions and lack of commercial affiliations.
A Pontiff Focused on Unity and Modern Challenges
Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy at a time of immense global uncertainty—both politically and spiritually. In his first speech, he called for peace and dialogue, citing his chosen papal name as a nod to the Church’s mission to serve humanity with compassion, justice, and integrity.
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, highlighted how Leo XIV’s message emphasizes modern Church teachings and his commitment to bridging divides, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by nationalism and inequality.
What Lies Ahead for the Catholic Church
As the first Augustinian pope, Leo XIV is expected to bring scholarly depth and spiritual discipline to the papacy. His experiences in Latin America, academic credentials in Canon Law, and hands-on pastoral work make him uniquely qualified to lead a more inclusive, synodal Church.
His papacy may also focus on empowering local communities, addressing the clergy shortage, reforming the bishop selection process, and expanding the Church’s influence in climate justice, economic inequality, and digital ethics.
