THURSDAY 8/5/2025 – POPE LEO XIV: THE JOURNEY OF CARDINAL ROBERT FRANCIS PREVOST
On May 7, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church entered a new chapter as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 268th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election came at a moment of global transition and internal reflection for the Church, with cardinals seeking a leader who could balance the pastoral heart of Pope Francis with the administrative strength needed to shepherd a diverse, global congregation. The selection of Prevost—an American by birth but a missionary and bishop by vocation—signaled both continuity and reform.
Humble Origins and Global Mission
Born in 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Prevost was raised in a devout Catholic family in the suburb of Dolton. He grew up attending St. Mary of the Assumption parish, where his early calling to the priesthood was evident. Ordained in 1982, Prevost soon joined the Order of St. Augustine, embracing a life of service marked by humility, intellectual discipline, and missionary zeal.
He went on to earn a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, equipping him with the legal and theological expertise that would serve him well in Vatican administration. However, his heart remained with the people—especially the poor and marginalized—and so he spent three decades in Peru, where he ministered as a missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo.
In 2015, Prevost became a naturalized Peruvian citizen, a sign of his deep connection to the country and its people. In 2023, Pope Francis recognized his leadership and pastoral integrity by appointing him head of the Dicastery for Bishops, giving him a central role in the global selection and oversight of bishops.
Balancing Tradition and Reform
Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a bridge-builder—a man with one foot in the Global South and one in the West, a fluent Spanish and Italian speaker who understands both Latin American spirituality and American pragmatism. Though born in the U.S., he is considered by many insiders to be one of the “least American” of the American cardinals, due to his extended missionary service abroad.
Theologically, Leo is in the reformist tradition of Pope Francis. He values service over status. As he once said, “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but is called to be humble, to be close to the people, and to suffer with them.” His pastoral style reflects Francis’ emphasis on synodality, mercy, and outreach to the peripheries.
However, he also strikes a moderate tone on divisive issues. Rev. Michele Falcone described him as representing the “dignified middle of the road,” a stabilizing figure amid the Church’s ideological divisions.
Views on Gender and LGBTQ+ Issues
As with many Catholic leaders, Pope Leo XIV’s views on gender and sexuality remain grounded in traditional Church teaching, though expressed in a pastoral tone. In a 2012 address, he warned against cultural trends that fostered “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,” referencing the normalization of “homosexual lifestyles” and “alternative families.” His language indicated theological caution, but not hostility—a balance many see as crucial in the current climate.
Observers expect Leo to continue Pope Francis’ model of welcoming individuals without affirming all lifestyles, encouraging compassion without diluting doctrine. Whether this approach will satisfy either side of the Church’s internal debates remains to be seen.
Views on Politics and Immigration
Given his long tenure in Peru, Pope Leo XIV has first-hand experience with immigration, poverty, and pastoral care in fragile communities. He was praised for his efforts to support Venezuelan migrants, offering food, shelter, and spiritual guidance to displaced families. His global perspective and time in Latin America give him a unique voice on U.S. immigration debates, one that combines empathy with ecclesial responsibility.
Although some Vatican insiders noted that his election might be welcomed by Donald Trump for geopolitical reasons—citing that Prevost is “American but not too American”—Leo is unlikely to act as a national or political pope. He is not known for making partisan statements, preferring instead to focus on local ministry and pastoral accompaniment.
A Pastor Tested by Real-World Demands
Pope Leo XIV assumes office at a challenging time. Questions about his past handling of clerical misconduct have emerged, although he has not made public statements on the issue. His supporters, however, point to his decades of pastoral and missionary experience as signs of his deep moral compass and practical wisdom.
Moreover, Leo is keenly aware of the toll that ministry can take on personal life. As one reflection from clergy literature states, “When ministry hurts your family, the balance is broken.” Leo has, in speeches and practice, affirmed the importance of family life for clergy. His own decisions—such as turning down speaking invitations to remain present for family moments—suggest a leader who walks the talk.
He believes that a healthy church begins with healthy ministers, and that includes maintaining boundaries, taking rest, and prioritizing relationships at home. It’s a message that resonates with many priests and bishops who silently carry similar tensions.
Conclusion: A Pope for a World in Tension
Pope Leo XIV enters the Chair of St. Peter at a time when the Catholic Church must navigate internal rifts, external pressures, and global change. He brings with him a heart for the marginalized, a mind formed by canon law, and a soul steeped in cross-cultural ministry.
His papacy is likely to be marked by quiet strength, pastoral clarity, and administrative competence. For a Church searching for unity without compromise, and authenticity without division, Pope Leo XIV may be exactly what is needed now—a shepherd who knows both Chicago and Chiclayo, both canon law and pastoral care.
“The world does not need more princes in purple robes—it needs shepherds who smell like the sheep.” – Pope Francis As the white smoke fades and the bells of St. Peter’s echo, Catholics everywhere now look to Pope Leo XIV—pastor, missionary, bridge-builder—to lead them with faith, humility, and courage