By Neta Nwosu

Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship – American and Peruvian. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost (of French and Italian descent) and Mildred Martínez (of Spanish descent), he embodies a rich multicultural heritage. His extensive missionary work and leadership roles in Peru led him to acquire Peruvian citizenship in 2015, reflecting his deep connection to both North and South America. After earning a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Prevost was ordained in 1982.

He pursued further studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His missionary journey began in Peru, where he served from 1985 to 1998 as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and administrator, notably in Trujillo. In 2001, Prevost was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a position he held until 2013. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernise the order and strengthen its global presence. Returning to Peru in 2014, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo and became its bishop in 2015.

His leadership focused on pastoral care and ecclesiastical governance, earning him respect within the Peruvian Catholic community. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. These roles placed him at the heart of the Vatican’s efforts to oversee global episcopal appointments and engage with Latin American Churches. Later that year, he was created Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica. On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Prevost was elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV.

His election marked a historic moment as the first American-born pope, reflecting the Church’s evolving global representation. In his inaugural address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he emphasised peace, dialogue, and unity, speaking in Italian and Spanish to acknowledge his diverse background and service.