The First American Pope: What Families Can Expect from Pope Leo XIV
Robert Francis Prevost from the United States has been elected as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis
Cheers all over the Vatican City erupted as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel. At around 1:30 AM PH time, the new father of the Catholic faith stepped out of the curtains. Succeeding Pope Francis is Robert Francis Prevost, who takes on the name Leo, making him “Pope Leo XIV.” He makes history as the first American-born pope.
In front of tens of thousands outside of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti recited the famous words Habemus Papam, announcing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States of America as the new pope. Now, he faces the challenge of leading 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and making the church relevant in the changing global landscape.
Who is Robert Prevost?
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is the second Pope from the Americas after Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina.
In his biography posted by the Vatican News, Prevost is of French, Italian, and Spanish lineage. He has two brothers.
Prevost is also the first Augustinian to become Pope. He studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and earned a Mathematics degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He also studied Philosophy.
In a NBC News interview, one of the Augustinians, Fr. Joseph Farrell, a friend of the Pope, said that the man called Bob (others call him Rob) by friends and family loves to play tennis and was a speedy texter. He is also a Chicago White Sox fan.
He was also close to the late Pope Francis.
Photo from the Vatican News
Peruvian at heart
Although Prevost is from the United States, he spent part of his life outside of the US, traveling and studying in Europe and South America, particularly in Peru, where he served most of his life as an Augustinian priest and cardinal. He holds a Peruvian citizenship.
In his speech as Pope XIV, he briefly spoke Spanish and gave a special message to his diocese in Chiclayo, Peru.
Peru became close to his heart when he was sent to an Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru, while completing his doctoral thesis. He served in several capacities in Peru, including as prior of the community, formation director, professor of Canon Law, Patristics, and Moral Theology at the Major Seminary San Carlos y San Marcelo, and as judicial vicar in the Archdiocese of Trujillo.
Pope Francis appointed Prevost Bishop of Chilclayo in 2015. In 2023, he was promoted to archbishop and later a cardinal.
A multilingual pope
Prevost speaks five languages. The National Catholic Reporter wrote that Prevost is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. He can read Latin and German, which will be handy when talking to people worldwide.
Well-versed in social media
Prevost was previously active on social media, where he would tweet on X, formerly Twitter. Some of his tweets included ending the death penalty in 2014.
Prevost visited the Philippines before
As the world watched the Vatican balcony, Filipino priests shared personal stories of the new Pope, tasked with guiding 1.4 billion Catholics in an ever-changing world. Unknown to many, Prevost has visited the Philippines many times. Photos from his visit to the country, including Cebu and Iloilo, were shared online by Filipino priests Fr. Genesis Pacaldo and the Rev. Fr. Jonas Mejares of the Augustinian Formation and Mission of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo.
“OMG! We have just met and talked last month! Thank you, Lord, for giving us a new Pope, Pope Leo XIV!” Fr. Mejares posted.
He also presided over a mass at San Agustin Church in Intramuros and visited Colegio San Agustin Makati while in the country.
Messenger of Peace
Prevost spoke of peace in his first speech as Pope Leo XIV, as the world continues to face uncertainty from different types of chaos.
In a translation by Reuters, he said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God’s flock. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!”
“This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still have in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!”
The Global Issues He Will Face
As he takes on the task of leading Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV will face several issues that affect the community, including families. These include equality, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment. Although he may not have as much military or economic power as other nations, he has moral authority that could help sway different views.
Richard Lennan, a professor of Theology at Boston College, told Time Magazine: “We need someone who can speak up for the poor, the marginalized, the displaced on the world stage. Even if people just nod politely and move on, we still need that voice.”
A New Era Begins
As Prevost begins his leadership as Pope Leo XIV, all eyes will be on how he will speak and act on the issues affecting his flock worldwide. Families all over the world hope and pray that his decisions are for the good of all those he serves.
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