By Dr. Marco V. Benavides Sánchez. Translation from “León XIV: El Papa que une continentes y corazones“. Dedicated to my old friend César Vazquez. “Indivisa Manent”.
The story of the new pontiff, Leo XIV, reflects an interconnected, multicultural world in constant search of hope. Born as Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he is the first Pope in the history of the Catholic Church to simultaneously represent both North and Latin America—a figure deeply rooted in Augustinian spirituality and a living testimony to dialogue between cultures, languages, and peoples.
Multicultural Roots and Early Vocation
The son of a family with French, Italian, and Spanish heritage, Prevost grew up in an environment where faith and family values were lived with intensity. From a young age, he showed a deep inclination toward religious life. In 1977, at the age of 22, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine, a religious order founded in the 13th century and known for its emphasis on community life, study, and the interior search for truth.
After several years of formation and discernment, he was ordained a priest in 1982, thus beginning a journey that would lead him through various paths within the Church. His thirst for knowledge took him to Rome, where he earned a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of the Vatican’s most prestigious institutions. His strong theological and legal training would deeply shape his pastoral style and leadership capacity.
Missionary in Latin America
One of the most significant chapters in Prevost’s life began in 1985, when he was sent as a missionary to Peru, where he carried out a multifaceted mission: pastoral, social, educational, and formative. For nearly three decades, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving vulnerable communities, earning the respect of both the faithful and fellow clergy.
In 2014, his work was recognized by Pope Francis himself, who appointed him bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo, one of the most important dioceses in northern Peru. In 2015, Prevost officially adopted Peruvian nationality, reaffirming his deep commitment to the country that had embraced him as one of its own. During his episcopate, he stood out for his closeness to the people, his defense of the most vulnerable, and his ability to bridge doctrine and social reality.
Leadership in the Roman Curia
Prevost’s rise within the Vatican began to solidify in January 2023, when he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most relevant roles in the Roman Curia, as it involves the responsibility of selecting, evaluating, and proposing bishops around the world. He was also named President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, further strengthening his institutional and spiritual ties to the continent.
In these roles, Prevost demonstrated balance, wisdom, and openness. He was regarded as an excellent mediator, capable of listening and building consensus without wavering on essential matters. His discreet yet effective style earned the trust of many cardinals and collaborators of Pope Francis, who saw him as a natural continuer of his pastoral and reformist vision.
A New Pope for a New Era
On April 21, 2025, the Catholic world was shaken by the passing of Pope Francis, a transformational leader who left a deep mark on the Church and global conscience. The conclave, composed of cardinals from all continents, began on May 7 in a spirit of prayer and discernment. After four rounds of voting, the name Robert Francis Prevost emerged as the candidate who best embodied continuity with the Franciscan legacy, openness to the peoples of the Global South, and the need for reconciliation in a fractured world.
Thus, on May 8, 2025, he was elected Holy Father, choosing the name Leo XIV, evoking his predecessors who fought to strengthen the Church in challenging times. His election marked several historical milestones: he is the first Pope born in the United States, the first with Peruvian nationality, and the first Augustinian to occupy the papal throne in modern times.
A Message of Peace, Justice, and Unity
In his first speech as Pontiff, Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and outlined the core pillars of his pontificate: peace, justice, mercy, and unity. With a calm voice and steady gaze, he emphasized the importance of reaching out to others, of healing the wounds of a world marked by war, climate change, and exclusion.
In a highly symbolic gesture, he addressed his “beloved diocese in Peru” in Spanish, recalling with emotion the years shared with Andean and coastal communities, and renewing his promise to be a Pope close to the poor, indigenous peoples, and young people searching for meaning in today’s uncertain world.
A Pontificate of Hope
The figure of Leo XIV represents a bridge between worlds: between North and South, between tradition and renewal, between hierarchy and the people. His pastoral profile, intellectual training, and intercultural experience position him as a spiritual leader equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century: secularization in the West, migration crises, geopolitical tensions, and the digital transformation of human life.
Fully aware of the weight of succeeding Peter, Leo XIV has chosen a vision of the Church without borders, capable of dialoguing with all cultures, embracing the suffering, and proclaiming the Good News with joy. His pontificate begins with a calm spirit of renewal, more focused on spiritual depth than spectacular gestures, yet with the clear conviction that the Gospel remains a force of transformation in the world.
Conclusion
The election of Leo XIV is, without a doubt, a sign of the times. The Church has chosen a man who has lived the Gospel from the peripheries, studied in the centers of knowledge, loved diverse peoples, and knows how to speak the language of mercy. His personal story reflects the richness and diversity of contemporary Catholicism, and his leadership promises to be a spiritual compass in times of change.
For further reading:
- Revista Clase: A detailed article on his life, his election as Pope, and his path within the Church.
- Animal Político: Explores his connection with Peru, his moderate profile, and his Vatican role before becoming Pope.
- MSN Noticias: Presents his family tree and academic background, as well as his impact on the Church.
- El Mañana: Analyzes his leadership style and his relationship with Pope Francis.
- ActitudFem: Highlights his connection with Latin America and his pastoral approach.
#Pope #LeoXIV #Medmultilingua
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