The Election of Pope Leo XIV: Robert Francis Prevost

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Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the position of the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and head of the Vatican has become ‘vacant’. Known in the Vatican as Sede Vacante, the conclave of cardinals, the senior clergy beneath the pope, gathered to elect a new pope. On the afternoon of their second day of deliberations, US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as the new Pope.

Who is Robert Francis Prevost?

Robert Francis Prevost, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV, was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. He is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French descent, and Mildred Martinez, of Italian heritage. Notably, Cardinal Prevost became a naturalised Peruvian citizen in 2015, as verified by the National Civil Registry of Peru.

Since 2023, Prevost has held the position of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and served as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His previous roles include Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023 and Abbot of the Order of St Augustine from 2001 to 2013. His election on May 8, 2025, marks him as the first Pope originating from North America and the United States.

Prevost’s early career was dedicated to the Augustinians, working as a parish pastor, diocesan official, theology instructor, and administrator in Peru between 1985-1986 and 1988-1998. He was elevated to cardinal status in 2023.

Path to the Papacy

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a significant role within the Roman Curia. This office is charged with assessing and recommending candidates for bishops globally, enhancing Prevost’s visibility and influence in the Church, and positioning him as a potential papal contender.

Prevost’s election as Pope on May 8, 2025, came amid speculation that he was a likely candidate for the papacy following Pope Francis’s death.

Controversies

Prevost has faced criticism from advocates for victims of clerical abuse concerning his management of abuse allegations within the Augustinian order and during his tenure in Peru. The advocacy group SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) has accused Prevost of potentially failing to act on allegations against Richard McGrath, the former president of Providence Catholic High School, allowing him to remain in his role despite longstanding claims.