Who is Pope Leo XIV? Learn more about our new Pope (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost)

His academic path was marked by excellence. He earned advanced degrees in canon law in Rome, studying at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum). During his time in Rome, he formed lifelong connections with other future Church leaders and deepened his understanding of ecclesial law and governance.

Missionary Work in Peru: A Life of Service
Rather than staying in the comfortable confines of academia, Cardinal Prevost chose to serve as a missionary in Peru. For over 20 years, he ministered to the poor, taught seminarians, and helped build faith communities in one of the Church’s most vibrant and faith-filled regions.
In Trujillo, he became known for his pastoral care, particularly among the poor and marginalized. He founded Saint Rita Parish and oversaw the growth of new religious communities, while also serving as a professor of theology and canon law. His deep commitment to service earned him respect across Peru, where he was eventually named Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.

Leadership in the Augustinian Order and the Vatican
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Prevost was known as a humble but formidable leader. He served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order for over a decade, guiding the order through times of both growth and challenge. His leadership style was marked by an emphasis on unity, collaboration, and living the Gospel in everyday actions.

During his tenure, he revitalized Augustinian missions worldwide, established new educational programs, and emphasized the need for Augustinians to live as witnesses of God’s mercy and love. His work in the Order prepared him for larger responsibilities — ones that would eventually bring him to the heart of the Vatican.

The Vatican Years: Prefect of Bishops and Cardinal
In 2023, Pope Francis called him to Rome, appointing him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. This role placed him at the heart of the Church’s decision-making process, helping to select bishops who would lead dioceses around the world.

As Prefect, Cardinal Prevost was known for his careful discernment, prioritizing bishops with strong pastoral and missionary hearts. He emphasized the importance of bishops being close to their people, rejecting clericalism, and fostering unity within their dioceses. His episcopal motto, “In the One Christ, we are one,” reflects his mission to heal divisions and foster communion within the Church.

In September 2023, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal, receiving the red hat from Pope Francis. As Cardinal, he continued to be a bridge-builder — a man who listens more than he speaks, someone who values unity and pastoral care over politics.

What to Expect from Pope Leo XIV
Now, as Pope Leo XIV, we can expect to see those same values in action. His missionary background suggests a pontificate that will keep the Church’s focus on the peripheries — the poor, the marginalized, and the overlooked. His work in Peru shows a man who understands the struggles of the everyday Catholic and who is deeply committed to serving the Church as a shepherd, not as a ruler.

Additionally, his Augustinian roots may inspire a focus on deepening spirituality and community. St. Augustine famously said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You,” and Pope Leo XIV seems poised to lead the Church with that same focus on Christ as the unifying center.

The Significance of Pope Leo XIV’s Election
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks several historic firsts. He is the first North American to be elected pope, a monumental moment for Catholics in the United States. Additionally, he is the first member of the Augustinian Order to become pope, a distinction that brings pride to his religious community and highlights the rich spiritual heritage of St. Augustine.
His dual citizenship in the United States and Peru also makes him a unique bridge between North and South America. This multicultural perspective is expected to influence his papacy, emphasizing themes of global unity, service to the poor, and dialogue between cultures.

See Pope Leo XIV in Rome with Trinity Tour Travels
What better way to witness the start of a new papacy than by experiencing it firsthand in Rome? With Trinity Tour Travels, you can join us on a pilgrimage to Italy to attend a papal mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV himself. Walk through the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave just took place. Stand in St. Peter’s Square, where the world heard “Habemus Papam!”
Come see the places where the Holy Spirit moves through art, architecture, and sacred history. Join us on this incredible journey to Rome — a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the early days of a new papacy and to pray for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his mission to lead and unify the Church.

Ready to book your pilgrimage? Visit Trinity Tour Travels and reserve your spot today!