Who is Robert Francis Prevost?
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has recently been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.
Prevost, originally from Chicago, USA, has had a significant career in the Church, including serving as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and working extensively in Latin America. His leadership and diplomatic skills have made him a key figure in Vatican affairs.
Robert Francis Prevost Early Life
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He pursued his early education at the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine, completing his secondary studies in 1973.
For higher education, Prevost attended Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1977. His commitment to religious life led him to join the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, taking his first vows in 1978 and solemn vows in 1981.
He continued his theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, obtaining a Master of Divinity degree. Later, he pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, earning both a licentiate and doctorate in canon law.
How Pope Leo XIV was elected
Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. His election followed the traditional papal conclave. 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to vote on the new leader of the Church.
The conclave began on May 7, with cardinals casting ballots in multiple rounds. The process continued until a consensus was reached. On May 8, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. This signaled that a new pope had been chosen. Shortly after, Prevost was officially announced as the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.
Prevost made his first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. His election marks a historic moment, as he is the first American pope in history.