Pope Leo XIV: First American Pontiff Hopes to Heal Divisions Within the Catholic Church
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected pope — the first American ever to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. His election has sparked hope that his balanced leadership style could help bridge deepening divides within the Church.
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the second day of the papal conclave, signaling that a new pope had been chosen to succeed Pope Francis. Soon after, Cardinal Prevost, 69, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet a cheering crowd in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Leo XIV.
“Peace be with you,” the new pope said. “We must work together to be a missionary Church — one that builds bridges and embraces dialogue, always open like this very square, ready to welcome all who need compassion and our presence.”
The Vatican noted that Pope Leo XIV is the second pope from the Americas — after his predecessor Francis — and the first from the Order of St. Augustine. Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and French-Italian descent, he grew up in the suburb of Dolton, Illinois, and served as an altar boy at St. Mary Church.
After graduating from St. Augustine Seminary High School in 1973, he earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and can read Latin and German.
His brother recalls that Prevost aspired to become a priest from a young age. In 1977, he joined the Augustinian Order as a novice at Immaculate Conception Parish in Missouri. He received a master’s degree in theology in 1982 from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and was ordained that same year.
After earning a degree in canon law in 1984, he moved to Peru, where he later obtained citizenship. He regularly returned to the U.S. to serve as a priest and provincial superior. He earned a doctorate in canon law in 1987 from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome before returning to Peru to lead the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo for the next decade.
In 1999, he was appointed Provincial Superior of the Augustinians in Chicago. From 2001 to 2013, he served as Prior General of the entire order, traveling globally to strengthen unity among Augustinian communities.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, where he focused on social justice and serving the poor in remote communities. Parishioners recall his hands-on approach — rather than asking people to come to church, he brought the church to them.
He became an archbishop in January 2023 and was named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops just months later — a powerful Vatican office overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide. Observers said the appointment reflected Pope Francis’s emphasis on global diversity and pastoral experience in Church leadership. By the end of 2023, Prevost was elevated to cardinal, becoming one of the youngest members of the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal Prevost was widely seen as aligned with Pope Francis’s vision for a more inclusive and compassionate Church. He shared similar views on migration, poverty, and environmental responsibility. As a cardinal, he did not shy away from challenging the policies of the Trump administration — including resharing a post critical of the deportation of a U.S. resident to El Salvador and a commentary opposing Vice President JD Vance.
His inaugural address as pope, with a strong emphasis on bridge-building, suggests he intends to carry forward his predecessor’s commitment to outreach and inclusion — particularly on immigration. Earlier this year, Pope Francis had denounced Trump’s mass deportation plans as damaging to human dignity.
“He’s a calm, balanced leader — someone who knows how to manage crisis with thoughtfulness and steadiness,” said Father Mark R. Francis, a former classmate of Pope Leo XIV.
Michele Falcone, a fellow Augustinian priest, described him as a collaborative leader who adapts to context rather than rigidly imposing authority. Known for his love of tennis and baseball, Pope Leo XIV is admired by colleagues for his pastoral accomplishments in Peru and the global relationships he built through his Vatican role overseeing bishop appointments.
Now, Pope Leo XIV faces a major challenge: healing the widening rift between conservative and progressive factions in the Church. His measured stance on divisive topics — such as blessings for same-sex couples — has made him a palatable choice for cardinals across the ideological spectrum.
“He’s the kind of leader both conservatives and progressives can relate to,” said Father Robert Sirico, honorary president of the Acton Institute. “That doesn’t mean the differences in the Church will disappear, but it’s a sign of progress.”
(Sources: WSJ, BBC)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
