New Pope Leo XIV: From America to the Heart of America

New Pope Leo XIV (69 years old) appeared in public for the first time on the afternoon of May 8 (Rome time) - Photo: AFP

The new Pope Leo XIV's real name is Robert Francis Prevost, born on September 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, midwestern United States.

The Church's 267th Pope stunned the world by delivering his first public address fluently in both Italian and Spanish. With a long history of international ministry, he is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese, and can read Latin and German.

From Mathematics to Theology

After completing his studies at the minor seminary of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), in September 1977, the young Prevost officially joined this Order to fulfill his dream of becoming a monk.

In the same year 1977, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. One year after his Solemn Profession in August 1981, Brother Prevost was awarded a Master of Theology degree by the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (CTU).

During this time, he occasionally substituted for physics teachers at St. Rita of Cascia High School and taught mathematics after school.

After being ordained a priest on June 19, 1982 in Rome (Italy), the new priest Prevost continued to receive a bachelor's degree in canon law (Church Law) in 1984 and a doctorate in canon law in 1987 in Italy.

He held many important roles in the Augustinian Order, such as Superior General of the Augustinian Order in Chicago and Superior General of the Augustinian Order worldwide for two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2012.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Father Prevost as Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, an important position in the Roman Curia, as it is responsible for evaluating and recommending episcopal candidates around the world.

In the same year 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Cardinal Deacon. On February 6, Pope Francis further elevated him to Cardinal Bishop of the Suburban Diocese of Albano, in the province of Rome.

Deep affection for South America

New Pope Leo XIV when he was appointed Cardinal Deacon by Pope Francis - Photo: AFP

In the 1980s and 1990s, he joined the mission in the city of Trujillo, Peru and was appointed to the position of director of general formation programs for Augustinian novices and manager of the Augustinian seminary.

After many years of service, he gradually became deeply attached to this South American country and became a Peruvian citizen, showing a special affection for the Latin American region.

On December 12, 2014, Father Prevost was ordained Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo, northwestern Peru, and was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in September 2015.

An Apostolic Administrator is the person who manages an area equivalent to a diocese but which is not yet recognized as a diocese, or which currently has no bishop (i.e., the Sede vacante or “Vacancy” stage).

Responding to the Telegraph immediately after the announcement of the new Pope, American Jesuit priest Thomas Reese said that the new Pope Leo XIV had spent many years working in Peru, had acquired Peruvian citizenship and had a special affection for the Latin American region.

“He is not only an American but also a pope of the Americas. He is known as a good shepherd, always listening to people. I think he will be the successor of Pope Francis,” Father Reese added.

An “un-American” American

According to Time magazine , reporter Iacopo Scaramuzzi of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica called the new Pope Leo XIV "an American among Americans" to imply that he is an American but has a style that is not typical of the people of the "land of the stars and stripes".

A believer present at St. Peter's Square on the afternoon of May 8 said that the new Pope has lived and worked in Peru for decades, making him imbued with a Latin American spirit, becoming one of the American Cardinals but "the least American".

The New York Times commented that Leo XIV has a pastoral heart for the poor, migrants and those on the margins of society. This makes him expected to become a Pope of mercy and communion.

The new Pope Leo XIV enters his ministry at a time of world turmoil, war, environmental crisis, waves of migration and a decline in faith.

But with his extensive international pastoral experience and simple lifestyle, he carries the hope of bringing the Church closer to a world that is yearning for hope and peace.

Tuoitre.vn

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tan-giao-hoang-leo-xiv-tu-nuoc-my-den-trai-tim-chau-my-20250509025221451.htm