Staff – May 13, 2025

On May 8, 2025, the world witnessed a historic moment as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of the first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago native, ordained a priest in 1982, emerged as the 267th pontiff after a swift conclave, captivating Catholics worldwide and sparking jubilation in his hometown. This article explores Pope Leo XIV’s election, his Chicago roots, his journey to Rome, his family ties, and the upcoming ceremonies marking the start of his pontificate.

A Historic Election

The conclave, convened following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, began on May 7 and concluded the next day after four ballots. At 6:09 p.m. Rome time, white smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel, and shortly after, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born Augustinian with deep ties to Peru, was revealed as Pope Leo XIV. Addressing the cheering crowd in fluent Italian, he declared, “Peace be with you all,” signaling a papacy rooted in unity and compassion.

Leo XIV’s election broke a long-standing taboo against an American pope, given the United States’ geopolitical influence. However, his decades in Peru and his role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis positioned him as a global candidate, easing concerns among the 133 cardinal electors. His choice of the name Leo, evoking Pope Leo XIII’s social justice legacy and Pope Leo I’s defense of Rome, suggests a commitment to addressing modern challenges like inequality and global conflict.

Growing Up in Chicago

Born on September 14, 1955, in Dolton, a south suburb of Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent. The Prevost household, led by school superintendent Louis Marius Prevost and librarian Mildred Martínez, was deeply involved in St. Mary of the Assumption parish on Chicago’s South Side. Young Robert, known as “Rob” to family, served as an altar boy and often “played priest,” using an ironing board as a makeshift altar, a childhood habit his brothers fondly recall. “We teased him a lot about, ‘Na na na, you’re gonna be the pope,’” said his eldest brother, Louis Prevost.

Robert attended St. Mary of the Assumption School, where his faith and intelligence stood out. Childhood friend Sherry Stone remembered his intense devotion, noting he once told peers he aspired to lead the Church. “Midwest people are very even-keeled,” Stone said, predicting Leo XIV would be a “centralist pope” who unites people. His family’s Creole heritage, uncovered by New Orleans genealogist Jari Honora, ties him to Black Catholic communities, though his brother John clarified the family did not identify as Black. Robert’s Chicago roots also include a love for the Chicago White Sox, a point his brother John fiercely defended against erroneous claims of Cubs fandom.

After eighth grade, Robert entered the seminary, dedicating his life to the priesthood. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 and a theology degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. His academic journey continued in Rome, where he studied canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, earning a doctorate.

The Move to Rome and Global Ministry

Ordained in 1982 as an Augustinian priest, Prevost’s calling took him far from Chicago. In 1985, he was sent to Peru as a missionary, serving in Trujillo and later as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. His work with marginalized communities, including wading through floodwaters to aid victims in 2022, earned him Peruvian citizenship and deep admiration. “The pope has a Chiclayan heart,” read banners in Chiclayo after his election.

Prevost’s leadership roles grew over time. He served as prior general of the Augustinian order from 2001 to 2013 and was appointed bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis in 2014. In 2023, Francis elevated him to cardinal and brought him to Rome as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful role overseeing bishop appointments. This move positioned him as a key figure in the Vatican, though he remained humble, playing Words With Friends and maintaining close ties with family.

A Brother in Chicago

Pope Leo XIV’s election brought global attention to his family, particularly his brother John Prevost, a retired Catholic school principal living in New Lenox, Illinois, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. John, 71, expressed “overwhelming pride” but also acknowledged the “awesome responsibility” his brother now carries as the first American pope. “It’s frightening,” he told FOX 32, reflecting on the historic weight. John recalled Robert’s lifelong dedication, noting he “never questioned” his vocation, even as a child.

John’s home became a focal point for media as Chicago celebrated its native son. He shared anecdotes of their childhood, emphasizing Robert’s humility and desire to help the downtrodden. John recently traveled to Rome with their other brother, Louis, for a brief reunion with the new pope, marking his fifth trip to the city. “I told him we were coming. He said, ‘Oh, okay,’” John recounted, highlighting their understated sibling dynamic. The brothers planned to share a lunch and visit a “special place” with Leo, though details remained fluid. John did not stay for the upcoming inaugural Mass, returning to Illinois by May 13.

Upcoming Ceremonies

Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is off to a busy start, with a series of key events scheduled to formalize his role as bishop of Rome. On May 11, he led the Regina Caeli prayer from St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. The centerpiece of his early papacy will be the Inaugural Mass for the Beginning of Pontificate on May 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. During this ceremony, Leo will receive the fisherman’s ring and the pallium, symbols of his papal authority.

Additional ceremonies include taking possession of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on May 20, his first general audience on May 21, a meeting with the Roman Curia and Vatican employees on May 24, and taking possession of the Papal Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major on May 25. These events, steeped in tradition, will mark Leo’s formal installation as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

A Papacy of Continuity and Compassion

Pope Leo XIV’s election has sparked both celebration and scrutiny. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called it “the greatest moment in the history of the greatest city,” while President Donald Trump congratulated him on Truth Social, expressing eagerness to meet. However, Leo’s past criticism of Trump’s policies and allegations from SNAP, a clergy abuse advocacy group, regarding his handling of abuse cases in Chicago and Peru, have raised concerns.

Despite challenges, Leo’s supporters see him as a bridge-builder, blending Pope Francis’ inclusivity with a centrist approach. His first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on May 9 emphasized the Church as a “beacon to illuminate dark nights,” and his call for peace in global conflicts underscores his global perspective.

From a Chicago altar boy to the first American pope, Robert Prevost’s journey reflects a life of service, faith, and resilience. As he prepares for his inaugural ceremonies, the world watches to see how Pope Leo XIV will lead the Catholic Church into a new era, carrying the hopes of Chicago and Catholics everywhere.