Papa León XIV

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost Martinez, O.S.A. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French and Italian descent, and his mother, Mildred Martinez, was of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martin and John Joseph.

His early education included studies at the minor seminary of the Augustinian Fathers, graduating in 1973. He continued his higher education at Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977, along with a minor in Philosophy.

In September 1977, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel in St. Louis. He professed his first vows in September 1978 and his solemn vows in August 1981. He continued his theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, earning a Master of Divinity with a specialization in Intercultural Ministry in 1982.

He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, in Rome by Archbishop Jean Jadot for the Augustinian Order. After his ordination, he pursued further studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas («Angelicum») in Rome, earning a Licentiate in 1984 and a Doctorate in 1987.

Father Prevost’s early ministry was marked by missionary work in Peru. From 1985 to 1986, he served as parochial vicar of the Cathedral and Chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas. He returned to the United States in 1987 to promote vocations for the Augustinian Province of Chicago and served as director of missions.

In 1988, he returned to Peru, where he would spend the next decade. He was the founding pastor of two parishes: Our Lady of Montserrat (1992-1999) and Our Lady Mother of Grace (1999-2001), both in the Diocese of Chiclayo. He also served as prior of the Augustinian community in Chiclayo (1992-1999) and as vicar provincial of the Augustinian Vicariate of Peru (1999-2001).

In 2001, he was elected Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel. In 2013, he was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, succeeding Father Robert F. Giroux. He served in this position until September 2022. During his time as Prior General, he actively participated in synods of bishops and various councils and committees within the Holy See.

On April 12, 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, succeeding Cardinal Marc Ouellet. He assumed this position on June 12, 2023. This dicastery plays a crucial role in the appointment of new bishops worldwide.

Robert Francis Prevost Martinez is known for his pastoral experience, his knowledge of canon law, and his dedication to religious life and the mission of the Church. His appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops places him in a position of great influence within the Catholic Church.