Career Timeline of Pope Leo XIV: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Pope Leo XIV made an impact.

Pope Leo XIV is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. He distinguishes himself as the first pope born in the United States and North America, holding both American and Peruvian citizenships. Furthermore, he is the first from the Order of Saint Augustine and the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 1, 1977: Joined Order of Saint Augustine

On September 1, 1977, Robert Francis Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine as a novice.

1977: Joined Order of Saint Augustine

In 1977, Robert Francis Prevost became a friar of the Order of Saint Augustine.

1977: Earned Bachelor of Science Degree

In 1977, Robert Francis Prevost earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mathematics from Villanova University.

September 2, 1978: Took First Vows

On September 2, 1978, Robert Francis Prevost took his first vows.

August 29, 1981: Made Solemn Vows

On August 29, 1981, Robert Francis Prevost made his solemn vows.

September 10, 1981: Ordained a Deacon

On September 10, 1981, Robert Francis Prevost was ordained a deacon by Thomas Gumbleton.

June 19, 1982: Ordained a Priest

On June 19, 1982, Robert Francis Prevost was ordained a priest in Rome.

1982: Obtained Master of Divinity Degree

In 1982, Robert Francis Prevost obtained a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Catholic Theological Union and taught physics and math at St. Rita of Cascia High School.

1982: Ordained as a Priest

In 1982, Robert Francis Prevost was ordained as a priest.

1984: Earned Licentiate of Canon Law

In 1984, Robert Francis Prevost earned a Licentiate of Canon Law (JCL) from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

1985: Joined Augustinian Mission in Peru

In 1985, "Padre Roberto" Robert Francis Prevost joined the Augustinian mission in Peru, serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas.

1986: Served as Chancellor of Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas

In 1986, Robert Francis Prevost served as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas.

1987: Earned Doctor of Canon Law Degree

In 1987, Robert Francis Prevost earned a Doctor of Canon Law (JCD) degree from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

1987: Published Doctoral Dissertation

In 1987, Robert Francis Prevost's doctoral dissertation, "The office and authority of the local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine," was published by the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

1987: Vocation and Missions Director

In 1987, after defending his doctoral thesis, Robert Francis Prevost was vocation director and missions director of the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

1988: Returned to Peru

In 1988, Robert Francis Prevost returned to Peru to continue his missionary work.

1998: Elected Prior Provincial

In 1998, Robert Francis Prevost was elected Prior Provincial of the Order of St. Augustine's Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel based in Chicago.

March 8, 1999: Assumed role as Prior Provincial

On March 8, 1999, Robert Francis Prevost assumed the role as Prior Provincial of the Order of St. Augustine's Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel based in Chicago.

2001: Elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine

In 2001, Robert Francis Prevost was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine.

2002: Issued Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Saint Augustine

In 2002, the Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Saint Augustine was issued by the Authority of the Prior General, Robert F. Prevost.

2013: Director of Formation

From 2013, Robert Francis Prevost served as director of formation at the Convent of St. Augustine in Chicago.

2013: End of Tenure as Prior General

In 2013, Robert Francis Prevost's tenure as Prior General ended, and he reconciled with Cardinal Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio before leaving Rome.

November 3, 2014: Appointed Apostolic Administrator

On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Robert Francis Prevost as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru and the titular bishop of Sufar.

December 12, 2014: Consecrated as Bishop

On December 12, 2014, Robert Francis Prevost was consecrated as bishop at St. Mary's Cathedral in Chiclayo.

2014: Director of Formation and Provincial Vicar

In 2014, Robert Francis Prevost served as director of formation at the Convent of St. Augustine in Chicago, and as first councilor and provincial vicar of the province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

September 26, 2015: Named Bishop of Chiclayo

On September 26, 2015, Robert Francis Prevost was named Bishop of Chiclayo.

2015: Appointed Bishop of Chiclayo

In 2015, Robert Francis Prevost was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru.

2018: Served on Permanent Council

From 2018 to 2020, Robert Francis Prevost served on the permanent council.

July 13, 2019: Appointed to Congregation for the Clergy

On July 13, 2019, Robert Francis Prevost was appointed a member of the Congregation for the Clergy.

April 15, 2020: Became Apostolic Administrator of Callao

On April 15, 2020, Robert Francis Prevost became apostolic administrator of Callao.

November 21, 2020: Joined Congregation for Bishops

On November 21, 2020, Robert Francis Prevost joined the Congregation for Bishops.

March 1, 2021: Private Audience with Pope Francis

On March 1, 2021, Robert Francis Prevost had a private audience with Pope Francis, sparking speculation about a new role in Chicago or Rome.

January 30, 2023: Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops

On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed Robert Francis Prevost prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

May 2023: Prevost on synodality and episcopal leadership

In May 2023, Prevost discussed synodality, episcopal leadership, and renewal within the church. He suggested that the faithful's participation could address polarization and emphasized that episcopal leadership should prioritize faith over administration.

May 2023: Participated in Episcopal Council Meetings

In May 2023, Robert Francis Prevost participated in the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council meetings in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

September 30, 2023: Created a Cardinal

On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis created Robert Francis Prevost a cardinal with the rank of Cardinal-Deacon.

October 2023: Appointed to Additional Dicasteries

In October 2023, Pope Francis appointed Robert Francis Prevost as a member of seven additional dicasteries and named him to the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State.

2023: Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Robert Francis Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

November 2024: Prevost on climate change

In a November 2024 seminar, Prevost advocated for stronger church action on climate change, stating that "dominion over nature" should not be "tyrannical".

February 6, 2025: Promoted to Cardinal-Bishop

On February 6, 2025, Pope Francis promoted Robert Francis Prevost to cardinal-bishop.

May 8, 2025: Election of Pope Leo XIV

On May 8, 2025, Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on the second day of the conclave after the fourth ballot. White smoke signaled the selection to the public. After accepting the election, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced Pope Leo XIV to the public. Approximately 150,000 people were in St. Peter's Square at the time.

May 18, 2025: Inauguration Mass of Leo XIV

On May 18, 2025, during his Inauguration Mass in St Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV used the ferula of Pope Paul VI and received another pectoral cross, which he has been wearing instead of the one he wore during the conclave and his first appearance as pope.

2025: Election as Pope Leo XIV

In 2025, Robert Francis Prevost was unexpectedly elected as Pope Leo XIV, following the 2025 conclave. He chose his papal name in honor of Pope Leo XIII.