Timeline: US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV

In a historic conclave decision, US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV.

He is the first American to be elected pontiff, leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics, and Bishop of Rome.

When he was presented by his brother cardinals, the new pontiff spoke and gave his blessing in Italian, Latin and Spanish.

A Chicago-born Augustinian, a priestly order known for their fervour for love and learning, Pope Leo XIV has deep roots in Latin American missionary work and extensive experience in Church governance.

He begins his pontificate at a time when the Church is both facing global tensions and seeking deeper renewal.

TIMELINE:

Pope Leo XIV [formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost]

14 September 1955
Born in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

1977
Entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Saint Louis.

29 August 1981
Professed solemn vows in the Order of Saint Augustine.

19 June 1982
Ordained a priest.

1982–1984
Studied Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome.
Received licentiate in 1984.

1985–1986
Mission assignment in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru.

1987
Received Doctorate in Canon Law (dissertation on the role of the local prior in the O.S.A.).
Appointed Director of Vocations and Missions of the Augustinian Province (Olympia Fields, Illinois).

1988
Sent to Trujillo, Peru:
– Director of joint formation project for Augustinian aspirants.
– Community Prior (1988–1992).
– Director of Formation (1988–1998).
– Teacher of the Professed (1992–1998).
Also served as Judicial Vicar (1989–1998) and seminary professor in Trujillo.

1999
Elected Provincial Prior of the “Mother of Good Counsel” Province (Chicago).

2001
Elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order (re-elected in 2007).

October 2013
Returned to Chicago: served as teacher of the professed and provincial vicar.

3 November 2014
Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo, Peru.
Assigned titular see of Sufar.

7 November 2014
Took canonical possession of Chiclayo.

12 December 2014
Ordained Bishop (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Chiclayo Cathedral).

26 November 2015
Appointed Bishop of Chiclayo.

March 2018
Elected Second Vice President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.

2019
Appointed Member of the Congregation for the Clergy.

2020
Appointed Member of the Congregation for Bishops.

15 April 2020
Appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao.

30 January 2023
Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

30 September 2023
Created Cardinal by Pope Francis, assigned to the Deaconry of Santa Monica.

Roman Curia Tasks

• Dicastery for Evangelization (First Evangelisation & New Particular Churches)

• Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith

• Dicastery for the Eastern Churches

• Dicastery for the Clergy

• Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life & Societies of Apostolic Life

• Dicastery for Culture and Education

• Dicastery for Legislative Texts

• Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State

[Source: Vatican Press]

"One of our own, raised on our shores, is now the successor of St Peter," a commentator, an American, said on EWTN.

"We pray that through Leo XIV, we are going to be strengthened by his own faith... living out Jesus' own words of loving God and loving our neighbour," the commentator added.

Pastoral work

From his early pastoral work in Peru to his recent service as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy a blend of spiritual sensitivity, legal acumen, and global perspective.

A missionary papacy with a Latin American heart

Pope Leo XIV’s years of service in Peru were more than a foreign mission — they were a formative period that shaped his pastoral identity.

As a seminary educator, judicial vicar, and community prior, he lived side by side with the poor and emerging clergy of the region.

His naturalisation as a Peruvian citizen underscored his long-term commitment to the people of Latin America.

Governance, leadership development

As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Leo XIV wielded considerable influence over the appointment of bishops globally.

He was also instrumental in standardising episcopal appointment procedures and quietly supporting bishops who favored reform and integrity.

His papacy may refine and consolidate global episcopal leadership, ensuring that new bishops are not merely administrators but mission-driven shepherds. The Vatican under Leo XIV could see enhanced vetting for episcopal candidates and greater synodality in selection processes — especially in developing churches.

Clergy formation and intellectual renewal

Having taught canon law, patristics, and moral theology for over a decade in Peru, Pope Leo XIV is steeped in both academic theology and priestly formation.

His Augustinian background favours a deep interior life, theological reflection, and communal discernment.

Administrative reform with Canonical Expertise

A canonist with a doctorate from the Angelicum, Pope Leo XIV understands Church structures from both the juridical and pastoral angles.

His tenure as Prior General of the Augustinian Order (2001–2013) and his time in the Roman Curia — particularly in bishops, clergy, evangelisation, and legislative texts — provide a rare combination of theological insight and managerial experience.

Addressing abuse

Though Pope Leo XIV has not been at the forefront of public reckoning with the clergy abuse crisis, his leadership will be scrutinized in this area.

Past concerns about case handling during his time with the Augustinians will require careful pastoral and institutional responses.

A reserved, listening pontiff

Unlike more charismatic or media-savvy figures, Pope Leo XIV is known for his quiet demeanor, deep listening, and methodical leadership. He does not seek the spotlight, but those who’ve worked with him describe him as decisive, deeply spiritual, and intellectually rigorous.

The Church under Leo XIV could expect a quieter, contemplative tone, focused more on inner renewal than public gestures.

His Augustinian background might shape a papacy attentive to interiority, community life, and moral clarity rooted in love.

From Chicago to Chiclayo to Rome

Pope Leo XIV embodies the global Church: a North American by birth, a Latin American by ministry, and a Roman by vocation.