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 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 14, 1955: Birth of Robert Francis Prevost

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 North America, with American and Peruvian citizenships, and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine.

Others born on this day/year

1969: Attended St. Augustine Seminary High School

From 1969, Robert Francis Prevost attended St. Augustine Seminary High School near Saugatuck, Michigan.

1973: End of High School Education

In 1973, Robert Francis Prevost finished attending St. Augustine Seminary High School.

1973: Enrolled in Villanova University

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

2005: Leo attends Game 1 of the 2005 World Series

In 2005, Leo, a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox, attended Game 1 of the World Series at US Cellular Field.

2008: Prevost votes in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary

Prevost voted in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary election.

2010: Prevost votes in the 2010 Democratic primary for Illinois gubernatorial election

Prevost voted in the 2010 Democratic primary for Illinois gubernatorial election.

2012: Prevost votes in the 2012 Republican presidential primary

Prevost voted in the 2012 Republican presidential primary election.

2014: Villanova awards Prevost honorary degree

In 2014, Villanova University awarded Prevost an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

2014: Prevost votes in the 2014 Republican primary for Illinois gubernatorial election

Prevost voted in the 2014 Republican primary for Illinois gubernatorial election.

2016: Prevost votes in the 2016 Republican presidential primary

Prevost voted in the 2016 Republican presidential primary election.

2024: Prevost votes in the 2024 United States general election

Prevost voted in the 2024 United States general election.

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.

July 6, 2025: Revival of Summer Residence at Castel Gandolfo

On July 6, 2025, Pope Leo XIV reinstated the papal tradition of spending the summer at the Castel Gandolfo, a practice that his predecessor, Pope Francis, had discontinued.