Pope Leo XIV facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leo XIV |
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| Bishop of Rome | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Leo XIV in 2025
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| Church | Catholic Church | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Papacy began | May 8, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Francis | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Motto | In illo Uno unum ('In the One, [we are] one') |
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| Signature |  |
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| Coat of arms |  |
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| Other Popes named Leo | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955) is the leader of the Catholic Church and the head of Vatican City State. He is the first pope born in the United States and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, a Catholic religious group. He is also the second pope from the Americas, after his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Born in Chicago, Prevost became a priest in 1982. He spent many years as a missionary in Peru, where he served as a pastor, teacher, and church official. From 2001 to 2013, he was the world leader of the Order of Saint Augustine, traveling to many countries. He later returned to Peru to serve as the Bishop of Chiclayo.
In 2023, Pope Francis made him a cardinal and asked him to lead the Vatican office that helps choose new bishops. His election as pope in 2025 was a surprise to many. He chose the name Leo in honor of Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his teachings on social issues during a time of great industrial change. Pope Leo XIV wants to help the Church face the new challenges of today, such as artificial intelligence.
Contents
Early Life and Schooling
Growing Up in Chicago
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. His family called him "Rob," and his friends later called him "Bob." He grew up in Dolton, a suburb of Chicago. His father, Louis, was a school superintendent, and his mother, Mildred, was a teacher and librarian.
His parents were devout Catholics and were very active in their church. They taught him and his two older brothers the importance of faith and prayer. His mother encouraged him to go to Mass before school, telling him that Jesus "is your best friend." From a young age, Prevost wanted to be a priest.
High School and University
From 1969 to 1973, Prevost attended a special high school for boys thinking about becoming priests. He was an excellent student, serving as the yearbook editor and secretary of the student council. He was also captain of the bowling team and led the speech and debate team.
He went on to Villanova University, a Catholic university near Philadelphia, and earned a degree in mathematics in 1977. He also studied Hebrew and Latin. After college, he studied theology in Chicago and earned a Master's degree. He then went to Rome to study canon law, which is the set of laws and rules for the Catholic Church.
A Life of Service
Becoming a Priest
In 1977, Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine, a group of priests and brothers who follow the teachings of Saint Augustine. He took his final vows in 1981 and was ordained a priest in Rome on June 19, 1982.
Missionary in Peru
In 1985, "Padre Roberto," as he was known, went to Peru to work as a missionary. He spent over a decade there, leading a seminary, teaching church law, and working in poor parishes on the outskirts of the city of Trujillo. He was very successful at encouraging young Peruvians to become priests.
During a time of political trouble in Peru, he spoke out against injustice and defended the human rights of the people. He sometimes traveled by horse on difficult roads to reach people in faraway villages. His time in Peru gave him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the poor.
Leader of the Augustinians
In 1998, Prevost was elected to lead the Augustinians in the Chicago area. Then, in 2001, he was elected Prior General, the worldwide leader of the Order of Saint Augustine. For the next 12 years, he lived in Rome but traveled all over the world to visit Augustinians in different countries. It was during this time that he first met Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who would later become Pope Francis.
Bishop and Cardinal
Bishop of Chiclayo
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost to lead the Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru. He became a citizen of Peru to serve as its bishop. In Chiclayo, he was known for being a good listener who cared deeply for his community.
He organized help for people during natural disasters and supported projects for Venezuelan refugees. He also encouraged young people to explore a life of faith. He was seen as a kind and fair leader who was always open to talking with people before making decisions.
Working in the Vatican
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Pope Francis saw Prevost's leadership skills and brought him to Rome. On January 30, 2023, he appointed Prevost as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, an important Vatican office that helps select bishops around the world.
On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis made him a cardinal. This new role made him a key advisor to the pope and increased his importance in the Church.
Becoming Pope Leo XIV
A Surprise Election
When the cardinals gathered in a conclave to elect a new pope in May 2025, Prevost was not considered one of the main candidates. Many thought a pope from the United States was unlikely. His election on the second day of the conclave was a surprise.
On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced to the world, "Habemus papam" ("We have a pope!"), and introduced Pope Leo XIV. In his first speech, he thanked Pope Francis and gave his first blessing to the city of Rome and to the world.
Inauguration and Early Days
The day after his election, Pope Leo celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinals. His official inauguration took place on May 18 in St. Peter's Square. During the ceremony, he received the pallium (a special scarf symbolizing his role as a shepherd) and the Ring of the Fisherman.
Leaders from around the world sent their congratulations. In his hometown of Chicago and in his adopted country of Peru, thousands gathered to celebrate his election. One of his first acts as pope was to revive the tradition of the pope spending summers at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.
The Pope's Vision and Views
Why He Chose the Name Leo
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Pope Leo XIV chose his name to honor Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church during the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIII wrote about the rights of workers and the importance of justice. Pope Leo XIV explained that he wants to help the Church apply its social teachings to the challenges of today, especially the rise of artificial intelligence.
A Church That Works Together
Pope Leo XIV believes strongly in synodality, which means listening to everyone in the Church and walking forward together. He has said that the first job of a leader is to "communicate the beauty of the faith, the beauty and joy of knowing Jesus."
His motto is In illo Uno unum, which means "In the One, we are one." He has often spoken about the need for love and unity in the Church and in the world. He has also encouraged working with other Christian churches to promote peace.
Social and Political Topics
Pope Leo XIV is seen as a moderate leader. He follows the Church's teachings on the importance of family and the value of human life from beginning to end. He has called for peace in areas of conflict around the world, such as in Ukraine and the Middle East. He has also spoken about the need to care for the environment and to welcome refugees.
In a homily shortly after his election, he criticized ideas that create division and said the Church must "open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race."
Personal Life
Pope Leo XIV speaks many languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. He enjoys playing tennis and likes to solve word puzzles like Wordle with his brothers.
He is a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox baseball team and the Chicago Bears football team. He also enjoys driving and has taken long road trips throughout his life. Before becoming pope, he stayed active by going to the gym several times a week.
Coat of arms
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See also
In Spanish: León XIV para niños
- Cardinals created by Francis
- Pope Leo – list of popes with this name
- List of popes
