On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church welcomed a new leader: Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. His election is not only historic—it’s deeply symbolic. As the first American-born Pope, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, and a man profoundly shaped by his decades of missionary service in Latin America, Pope Leo XIV brings with him a heart for the people and a clear sense of global mission.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV grew up in a multicultural family of French, Spanish, and Italian roots. He entered the Augustinian Order and was ordained in 1982. His vocation led him to Peru in 1985, where he would spend over 20 years as a missionary, eventually serving as bishop in Chiclayo.
He is not just a pope who understands Latin America—he is a part of it. His dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, his fluency in Spanish, and his pastoral work among the poor and marginalized give him a unique global perspective that blends North and South, tradition and transformation.
In many ways, Leo XIV is viewed as a “continuist”—a respectful and thoughtful extension of Pope Francis’ pastoral and social vision. His work under Francis as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America positioned him as a close collaborator and trusted voice in key global decisions.
His first words as pope, “Peace be with all of you,” reflect a spirit of reconciliation, compassion, and humility—hallmarks of Francis’ papacy. His choice of the name Leo nods to Pope Leo XIII, a powerful advocate for the rights of workers and the Church’s social teaching, signaling his alignment with the Church’s mission to protect the vulnerable.
Leo XIV is known for his calm demeanor, intellectual depth, and pastoral heart. Fluent in multiple languages and immersed in intercultural experience, he is seen as a figure who can bridge the gaps between continents, generations, and ideologies. His American upbringing and Latin American ministry make him especially well-suited to navigate the tensions and opportunities of a rapidly globalizing Church.
This international spirit resonates deeply with us, the Sisters Hospitallers, as we too serve across borders and cultures with a heart for the suffering and forgotten.
From his missionary roots to his new place at the heart of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV offers a model of leadership grounded in service, humility, and dialogue. His election is not just about where he comes from—but about where he’s ready to lead the Church next.
As Sisters Hospitallers, we embrace his vision of a Church that listens, heals, and walks with the suffering. With Pope Leo XIV, we step forward with renewed hope, faith, and commitment to a more compassionate world.