
Pope Leo XIV – What You Need to Know
Ascension TeamWho Is Pope Leo XIV? Facts About the New Pope
Image credit: Guglielmo Mangiapane, REUTERS.
A Brief Introduction
On May 8th, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., of the United States and Peru, was elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo was born September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Before his election as pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost served as the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and briefly as Apostolic Administrator of Callao. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), he brings to the papacy decades of experience in missionary service, especially among the poor and needy. He has been a vocal advocate for ecclesial reform and deeper dialogue within the global Church.
His prior roles include serving as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops from 2023 to 2025, where he played a key role in shaping episcopal leadership worldwide. Earlier, he was Prior General of the Augustinians (2001–2013), and before becoming a bishop, he worked in Peru as a seminary professor, judicial vicar, parish pastor, and diocesan official. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis on September 30, 2023.
Why Pope Leo? The Meaning Behind His Name
Pope Leo XIV likely chose his papal name in honor of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII. He was renowned for his intellectual contributions, social teaching, and efforts to bridge the Church with the modern world. By choosing this name, Pope Leo XIV, the Holy Father signals a desire to foster faithful dialogue, uphold the dignity of the poor and vulnerable, and renew the Church’s intellectual and pastoral mission in continuity with the Gospel and the Church’s rich tradition.
Today marks the Feast of the Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel—on this day, we also remember that Pope Leo XIII composed the powerful Prayer to St. Michael, invoking his protection for the Church!
What Makes Pope Leo XIV Unique?
Pope Leo XIV makes history as the first American-born pope and the first naturalized Peruvian citizen to be elected to the papacy. His election is also notable as he becomes the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to ascend to the Chair of St. Peter in centuries, marking a significant moment for the United States, Peru, and the Augustinian community worldwide.
What Is He Known For?
- Deep missionary experience in Latin America, especially among the poor.
- Quiet, reform-minded leadership in the Vatican and the Augustinian order.
- Languages: Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese; can understand and read Latin and German; studied mathematics, theology, and canon law.
- Academic background: Bachelor’s in Mathematics (Villanova), Master of Divinity (Catholic Theological Union), Doctorate in Canon Law (Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas).
Image Credit: Vatican News
Pope Leo’s First Steps as Pontiff
What to expect in the early days of his papacy:
His First Words: The Urbi et Orbi Blessing
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, known as the Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and to the world”) blessing. This short, prayerful message, following the “Habemus Papam!” announcement, offers a glimpse into his tone and vision. It includes a plenary indulgence (a special remission of temporal punishment due to sin) for those receiving it under Catholic conditions, even via media.
“Peace be with all you" was Pope Leo's first public statement from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, setting a tone of blessing and unity for his papacy.
Pope Leo also said, "The world needs Christ’s light. Humanity needs him to be the bridge so that God and his love can reach us.”
These remarks set a tone of hope, reconciliation, and a focus on Christ as the source of unity and peace for humanity. Pope Leo XIV’s initial address was brief but resonant, highlighting both a blessing for all and the essential role of faith in bridging divisions and bringing God’s love to the world.
His First Public Mass: The Inauguration
Within a week, and often on a Sunday, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Mass of Inauguration in St. Peter’s Square, marking the formal start of his ministry. This liturgy, attended by thousands, includes the bestowal of the Fisherman’s Ring and pallium (symbols of papal authority). A private Mass with cardinals in the Sistine Chapel often precedes it.
Early Actions and Priorities
Pope Leo XIV will begin shaping his papacy through:
- Meetings with civil and religious leaders.
- Weekly audiences and Angelus addresses to share teachings.
- Potential Vatican personnel changes.
3 Powerful Quotes from Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
1. “In the one Christ we are one.” This is his episcopal motto, 'In illo uno unum.'
2. “To serve is to love, and to love is to give oneself completely, just as Christ gave himself for us.”
3. “The Church is called to be a community that welcomes, that listens, and that accompanies, especially those who are on the margins.”
How to Pray for Pope Leo XIV
As Catholics worldwide welcome Pope Leo XIV, we lift him up in prayer. The weight of the papacy is immense, and our Holy Father will need grace, wisdom, and strength to shepherd the Church. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain him as he begins this mission.
“O God, who in your Divine Providence have bestowed on us Pope Leo XIV as the shepherd of your Church, we ask that you guide his hand in leading and unifying the faithful, keeping us always under your watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen."
Want to learn more about Pope Leo XIV? Join the waitlist for Ascension’s upcoming book on his life and papacy!
1 comment
May the Holy Spirit guide our Holy Father with wisdom, mercy, and love as he embarks on papal role to unify His sheep.