What Is a Cardinal Prevost? The Journey of Pope Leo XIV from Chicago to the Vatican

Who Was Cardinal Prevost Before Becoming Pope Leo XIV?

Until recently, the world had never seen an American pope. That changed when Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025, by the College of Cardinals. Now known as Pope Leo XIV, his path to becoming the head of the Roman Catholic Church began decades ago in the heart of Chicago.

But before he became pope, who was Cardinal Prevost?

Born in 1955, Robert Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family and studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. His commitment to faith led him to Rome in his twenties, and by age 27, he was ordained as a priest. His heart, however, was soon pulled toward Latin America. In 1985, he began serving as a missionary in Peru, a country that would become his spiritual second home.

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What Does “Cardinal Prevost” Actually Mean?

In the Catholic Church, a cardinal is a high-ranking official appointed by the pope. Cardinals are entrusted with advising the pope and, when necessary, electing the next one.

Cardinal Prevost was given this title by Pope Francis in 2023. But long before that, he served in leadership roles across Latin America, particularly in Peru. He was appointed bishop in Chiclayo in 2014 and later served as apostolic administrator in Callao.

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By 2020, his influence extended further when he was put in charge of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most powerful positions in the Vatican. This role involves selecting and overseeing bishops around the world — a key responsibility for shaping the future of the global Church.

What Shaped His Views and Leadership Style?

People who’ve known Prevost for years say he’s calm, clear-minded, and deeply compassionate. He’s not one to chase headlines or show off.

Father Mark R. Francis, a classmate of Prevost’s from seminary, described him as “very direct” and “steady.” That steadiness seems to be part of what led the cardinals to choose him as a unifying figure during a time when the Church faces both internal tension and global challenges.

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He’s also bilingual in culture and citizenship, holding both American and Peruvian nationalities — a rare and meaningful bridge in the global Church. His years in Peru involved working closely with poor and marginalized communities, which strongly shaped his social and spiritual worldview.

What Can We Expect From Pope Leo XIV?

Like Pope Francis before him, Leo XIV is seen as a moderate when it comes to theology, but progressive on social issues.

He’s spoken up about the need for economic justice, the common good, and care for the environment. In fact, his name choice — Leo — has deep meaning. The last Pope Leo, Leo XIII, was known for championing workers’ rights and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Many believe Leo XIV is signaling similar priorities.

Dr. Erin Walsh from the University of Chicago said, “Pope Leo XIII brought the Church into the modern world. By choosing the name Leo XIV, Cardinal Prevost is signaling that same intent.”

So far, Leo XIV has shown sensitivity to marginalized groups while upholding certain Church traditions. For instance, he is against ordaining women as deacons, aligning with more conservative doctrine, but he is also open to dialogue and reform in other areas.

Was Cardinal Prevost Always Seen as a Future Pope?

It seems many within the Church had quietly considered him a strong candidate. His years of leadership, humility, and pastoral experience made him stand out.

Fr. Francis, who worked with him during seminary and in Rome, said, “He’s not a showboat… He’s extremely intelligent and compassionate.”

When asked before the election about his hopes for the next pope, Fr. Francis said he hoped for a leader who would help the Church “read the signs of the times.” That, it appears, is exactly what Cardinal Prevost has been chosen to do.

What Does Cardinal Prevost Represent Today?

As Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Prevost represents more than just a new leader. He symbolizes a growing global vision of the Church — one that bridges cultures, languages, and traditions.

He brings with him the rich experiences of Latin America, the academic foundation of the U.S., and a commitment to both justice and humility.

More than anything, he represents a continuation of the values Pope Francis promoted: listening to the poor, welcoming the outcast, and building a Church that responds to modern challenges with timeless faith.