Childhood and Education Journey of Pope Leo XIV in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Pope Leo XIV. From birth to education, explore key events.

Pope Leo XIV is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. He marks several firsts: the first Pope born in the United States and North America, the first with U.S. or Peruvian citizenship, the first born after World War II, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, and the second from the Americas. These distinctions highlight his unique background and place in papal history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 14, 1955: Robert Francis Prevost Born

On September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost, who later became Pope Leo XIV, was born. He is the first pope born in the United States and the first from North America.

Others born on this day/year

1969: Attended St. Augustine Seminary High School

From 1969, Robert Francis Prevost attended St. Augustine Seminary High School, a minor seminary near Saugatuck, Michigan, until 1973.

1973: Attended St. Augustine Seminary High School

From 1969 to 1973, Robert Francis Prevost attended St. Augustine Seminary High School, a minor seminary near Saugatuck, Michigan.

1973: Enrolled in Villanova University

In 1973, after Tolentine College closed, Robert Francis Prevost enrolled in Villanova University.

September 1, 1977: Joined the Order of Saint Augustine

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

1977: Became a Friar

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

1977: Earned Bachelor of Science Degree

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

September 2, 1978: Took First Vows

On September 2, 1978, Robert Francis Prevost took his first 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 by Archbishop Jean Jadot.

1982: Obtained Master of Divinity

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

1986: Served as chancellor

In 1986, Robert Francis Prevost served as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas and an aide to bishop John McNabb.

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: Vocation and Missions Director

In 1987, after defending his doctoral thesis, Robert Francis Prevost became 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 after working in Illinois and Wisconsin.

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 of Prior Provincial of the Order of St. Augustine's Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel based in Chicago.

2001: Elected Prior General

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

2013: Returned to Peru as Bishop

In 2013, Robert Francis Prevost returned to Peru.

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 Cathedral by Archbishop James Green.

September 26, 2015: Named Bishop of Chiclayo

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

2015: Bishop of Chiclayo

In 2015, Robert Francis Prevost became Bishop of Chiclayo.

March 1, 2021: Private Audience with Pope Francis

On March 1, 2021, Robert Francis Prevost had a private audience with Pope Francis.

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 with the title Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo.

May 2023: Participated in 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

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

2023: Made a Cardinal

In 2023, upon returning to Rome, Robert Francis Prevost was made a cardinal by Pope Francis and addressed issues such as climate change, global migration, church governance, and human rights.