Who is Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope?

Earlier today, the Sistine Chapel’s chimney released white smoke, signaling the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, the first American to ascend to the papacy.

A Chicago-born Augustinian with decades of missionary work in Peru and a key Vatican role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost’s journey from a South Side parish to St. Peter’s Basilica is a testament to his pastoral humility, global perspective, and administrative acumen.

This feature article explores who Pope Prevost is, drawing on his documented life, career, and the qualities that positioned him as a “dignified middle of the road” leader for a diverse and divided Catholic Church.

A Chicago Upbringing Rooted in Faith

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in Dolton, a south suburb, in a devout Catholic family of European descent, with Italian ancestry through his mother, Gloria Pinto, and Spanish roots via his mother’s family, Mildred Martínez.

Raised in the bustling St. Mary of the Assumption parish on 137th Street, the Prevost family, father Louis, an educator, mother Mildred, a librarian, and brothers Louis and John, were known for their dedication as musicians, altar boys, lectors, and volunteers. Prevost’s early exposure to priests visiting his home, drawn by his mother’s cooking, fostered a sense of community and vocation. “Even as a young teenager, he knew what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go,” a schoolmate recalled.

Educated in Chicago’s Catholic schools, Prevost pursued a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Villanova University, a hub for Augustinian education, before earning a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He later obtained a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome in 1999.

An Augustinian Missionary

Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in 1977, taking his first vows in 1978 and solemn vows in 1981. Ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, in the Archdiocese of Chicago, he began his ministry teaching at St. Rita High School and serving at St. Augustine Friary in St. Louis.

His calling soon took him to Peru, where he served in the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas from 1985 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1998, focusing on catechesis, parish work, and missionary outreach in the Prelature of Chulucanas. His fluency in Spanish and immersion in Latin American culture shaped his pastoral approach, emphasizing closeness to the poor.

In 2001, Prevost was elected prior general of the Augustinians, serving two six-year terms until 2013. Based in Rome, he oversaw the order’s global operations, visiting communities worldwide and representing the Augustinians at the Synods of Bishops in 2005, 2008, and 2012. His leadership emphasized missionary zeal and community life, earning him recognition as a bridge between diverse Catholic traditions.

Rising Through the Church

Pope Francis appointed Prevost as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014, and he was ordained a bishop on December 12, 2014. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo until 2023, focusing on education, social outreach, and pastoral care. He also temporarily administered the Archdiocese of Trujillo (2015–2017, 2019–2020) and the Diocese of Callao (2020–2021), showcasing his ability to handle complex diocesan challenges. In 2020, he was named titular archbishop of Suliana.

In January 2023, Pope Francis tapped Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a pivotal Vatican role overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide. He assumed the position on April 12, 2023, and also became president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Prevost implemented Francis’s vision for pastoral bishops, notably adding three women to the dicastery’s voting bloc for bishop nominations, a revolutionary reform. His elevation to cardinal-deacon of Sant’Eugenio on September 30, 2023, and his appointment to the senior rank of cardinals in early 2025, signaled Francis’s high esteem.

A Papal Candidate

Prevost’s name emerged as a “papabile” (papal candidate) in the lead-up to the May 2025 conclave, following Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025. His global experience, decades in Peru, leadership of the Augustinians, and Vatican prominence, positioned him as a candidate who “transcends borders.”

Supporters, including Augustinian peers, described him as a “dignified middle of the road” figure, balancing Francis’s inclusive agenda with administrative pragmatism. He emphasized humility, stating in 2024 to Vatican News that a bishop should not be “a little prince” but “called authentically to be humble, to walk with [the people], to suffer with them.”

Despite his American nationality, a historical taboo due to U.S. geopolitical dominance, Prevost’s Peruvian citizenship and Latin American roots mitigated perceptions of him as “too American.” His role in the Dicastery for Bishops gave him connections with bishops worldwide, enhancing his influence among the 135 cardinal electors. Media outlets like The New York Times and CBS News noted his potential to “scrape together enough votes” as a dark horse, citing his moderate stance and ability to navigate ideological divides.

Challenges and Controversies

Prevost’s candidacy faced scrutiny over allegations of mishandling clerical abuse cases in Peru. In late 2023, two lawyers filed lawsuits against Prevost and Cardinal Blase Cupich, alleging cover-ups, though Prevost denied the charges, pointing to the Chiclayo diocese’s defense that he took canonical steps to address the issues.

Abuse advocates, reported by The Pillar, urged cardinals to consider these allegations, though some viewed them as a smear campaign against a Francis-aligned candidate. Prevost’s supporters argued his record reflects integrity and alignment with Francis’s reforms.

Prevost's Peruvian experience and commitment to the Global South align with Francis’s focus on marginalized communities, while his administrative roles suggest a capacity to address the Vatican’s financial and governance challenges.

Prevost’s reserved demeanor, described as that of a “silent but strong bridge,” contrasts with Francis’s charisma but reflects a steady hand. His Augustinian spirituality, rooted in community and service, and his multilingual skills (English, Spanish, Italian) equip him to lead a global Church of 1.4 billion Catholics. As The Catholic Herald noted, Prevost’s “solid judgment” and ability to “stand on the world stage” made him a compelling choice.

Whether he will continue Francis’s inclusive path or chart a more pragmatic course remains to be seen, but his election signals a new chapter for Catholicism, one led by a man who has walked with the poor, governed with care, and now holds the keys of St. Peter.