History of Pope Leo XIV in Timeline

Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City since 2025, holds several distinctions. He is the first pope born in the United States and North America, the first with Peruvian citizenship, the second from the Americas, and the first belonging to the Order of Saint Augustine. These unique characteristics mark a significant moment in the history of the papacy.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1910: Ancestry Information

In 1910, the US census suggests Spanish and Maltese ancestry, but it is unlikely for Prevost's mother.

September 14, 1955: Robert Francis Prevost Born

On September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost was born. He would later become Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born in the United States and 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.

1973: End of High School

In 1973, Robert Francis Prevost completed his studies at St. Augustine Seminary High School.

1973: Enrolled in Villanova University

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

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: Became a Friar

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

1977: Graduation from Villanova

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

September 2, 1978: First Vows

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

1980: Pact between Holy See and Peru

In 1980, A pact between the Holy See and Peru requires Robert Francis Prevost to become a naturalized Peruvian citizen before becoming bishop.

August 29, 1981: 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 by Archbishop Jean Jadot.

1982: Master of Divinity

In 1982, Robert Francis Prevost obtained a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Catholic Theological Union.

1982: Ordained as a Priest

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

1984: 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, Robert Francis Prevost joined the Augustinian mission in Peru.

1986: Chancellor of Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas

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

1987: Doctor of Canon Law

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

1987: Vocation and Missions Director

In 1987, Robert Francis Prevost was the 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.

1991: Priest Suspended

In 1991, James Ray was suspended from public ministry due to credible accusations that he had sexually abused minors.

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.

2000: Permitted Priest to Reside at Friary

In 2000, Robert Francis Prevost permitted James Ray, an Augustinian priest accused of sexual abuse, to reside at St. John Stone Friary in Chicago under supervision.

2001: Elected Prior General

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

2002: Ray Moved

In 2002, James Ray was moved to other housing after American bishops implemented stricter rules in the Dallas Charter.

2004: Met Jorge Mario Bergoglio

In 2004, Robert Francis Prevost visited Buenos Aires and met Cardinal Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio for the first time.

2005: Attendance at 2005 World Series Game 1

In 2005, Leo was in attendance in section 140 at US Cellular Field (now known as Rate Field) in Chicago for Game 1 of the World Series, demonstrating his lifelong support for the Chicago White Sox.

2007: Abuse Allegations

In 2007, alleged victims of abuse by priests Ricardo Yesquén Paiva and Eleuterio Vásquez Gonzáles said the Diocese of Chiclayo failed to investigate their cases.

2008: Vote in 2008 Democratic presidential primary

Throughout his time as a bishop and as a cardinal, Prevost continued to vote in both state and federal elections in the United States. He voted in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary.

2010: Vote in Democratic primary for the 2010 Illinois gubernatorial election

Throughout his time as a bishop and as a cardinal, Prevost continued to vote in both state and federal elections in the United States. He voted in the Democratic primary for the 2010 Illinois gubernatorial election.

2012: Criticism of popular culture's sympathy for homosexual lifestyles

In 2012, Prevost criticized popular culture's sympathy for the "homosexual lifestyle" and same-sex families.

2012: Vote in 2012 Republican presidential primary

Throughout his time as a bishop and as a cardinal, Prevost continued to vote in both state and federal elections in the United States. He voted in the 2012 Republican presidential primary.

2013: Director of Formation

From 2013, 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.

2013: End of Term as Prior General

In 2013, Robert Francis Prevost completed his two terms as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine.

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 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: Honorary Doctorate

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

2014: Vote in Republican primary for the 2014 Illinois gubernatorial election

Throughout his time as a bishop and as a cardinal, Prevost continued to vote in both state and federal elections in the United States. He voted in the Republican primary for the 2014 Illinois gubernatorial election.

2014: Director of Formation

Until 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: Bishop of Chiclayo

In 2015, Robert Francis Prevost became the Bishop of Chiclayo.

April 2016: Opposition to "gender ideology" in Peru

In April 2016, Prevost opposed the inclusion of "gender ideology" in Peruvian primary school curricula, stating it promotes "genders that don't exist".

2016: Vote in 2016 Republican presidential primary

Throughout his time as a bishop and as a cardinal, Prevost continued to vote in both state and federal elections in the United States. He voted in the 2016 Republican presidential primary.

2017: Criticized Pardon of Fujimori

In 2017, Robert Francis Prevost criticized President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's decision to pardon Alberto Fujimori.

2018: Served on Permanent Council

From 2018 to 2020, Robert Francis Prevost served on the permanent council in the Episcopal Conference of Peru

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: Appointed 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.

2021: Reporting on Friary Placement

In 2021, the placement of James Ray, in a friary close to St. Thomas School was reported, prior to Prevost's appointment to the Vatican.

April 2022: Meeting with Victims

In April 2022, the Diocese of Chiclayo stated that Robert Francis Prevost met with Ana María Quispe and her sisters to personally attend the victims.

2022: Response to Peruvian Protests

During the Peruvian protests in 2022, Prevost expressed sadness and pain over the deaths and requested to remain in Peru.

January 30, 2023: Appointed Prefect of 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 CELAM Meetings

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

September 30, 2023: Created a Cardinal

On September 30, 2023, Francis created Robert Francis Prevost a cardinal with the rank of cardinal-deacon and assigned the deaconry of Santa Monica degli Agostiniani.

October 2023: Appointed to Additional Dicasteries

In October 2023, 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 to 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.

2023: Support for Venezuelan Refugees

In 2023, Prevost expressed support for the plight of Venezuelan refugees in Peru.

2023: Views on Church Openness

In 2023, when asked by Catholic News Service whether his views from 2012 had changed, Prevost said that "many things have changed" and emphasized the church should be more open and welcoming, though he cautioned that church doctrine has not changed.

August 2024: Statement on Liturgy

In August 2024, Prevost stated that "liturgy needs to be beautiful to help us, to strengthen us in our faith" while speaking to a Chicago-area parish.

November 2024: Advocacy for Stronger Church Action 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".

2024: Investigation Criticism

In 2024, the sisters stated that no full penal canonical investigation occurred in the alleged abuse cases, and an investigation by América Televisión concluded that the church's investigation was not thorough.

2024: Vote in 2024 United States general election

Throughout his time as a bishop and as a cardinal, Prevost continued to vote in both state and federal elections in the United States. He voted in the 2024 United States general election.

February 6, 2025: Promoted to Cardinal-Bishop

On February 6, 2025, Francis promoted Robert Francis Prevost to cardinal-bishop, assigning him as titular bishop of the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano.

April 2025: La Repubblica's assessment of Prevost

In April 2025, the Italian newspaper la Repubblica characterized Prevost as a "cosmopolitan and shy figure" who was "appreciated by conservatives and progressives" within the church.

May 8, 2025: Election as Pope Leo XIV

On May 8, 2025, Prevost was elected pope on the second day of the conclave, on the fourth ballot. White smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel at 18:07 CEST, indicating the selection of a pope. After accepting his election and choosing the name Leo XIV, he greeted the cardinals. Cardinal Mamberti announced "Habemus papam", and up to 150,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

May 2025: Statement on Family

In May 2025, Leo XIV stated that it was up to governments to build peaceful societies "above all by investing in the family, founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman."

May 18, 2025: Inauguration Mass

On May 18, 2025, during his Inauguration Mass in St Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV used the ferula of Pope Paul VI which is most commonly associated with Pope John Paul II, and frequently used by Francis. Pope Leo XIV received another pectoral cross upon his election, which he has been wearing instead of the one he wore during the conclave and his first appearance as pope. This one is silver, with relics of St. Leo the Great, St. Augustine, St. Thomas of Villanova, and Blessed Anselmo Polanco Fontecha.

2025: Elected Pope

In 2025, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. He is the first pope born in the United States and North America.

2025: Election in Papal Conclave

In 2025, Robert Francis Prevost's election in the papal conclave was unexpected, as he was considered a dark horse candidate. He chose the papal name Leo XIV in honor of Pope Leo XIII.