Tradition, tension, and testimony: The Papacy of Leo XIV begins

A mix of applause and murmurs echoed outside Saint Peter's Basilica as the newly elected pontiff stepped onto the central balcony for his first appearance before the world.

The long-awaited “habemus papam,” Latin for “we have a pope” was finally declared as white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. It marked the end of a two-day conclave and followed more than a week of mourning after the burial of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, beloved by many as Pope Francis, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

The world’s 1.4 billion Catholics finally had an answer to the question that loomed since Francis's passing: Who would carry the weight of the papacy forward? The answer came in the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born and first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy, becoming the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

But beyond the historic headline of an American pope, who is Pope Leo XIV? And where does he stand on the urgent and complex issues facing the global Church today?

 

Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised in the neighboring suburb of Dolton. 

His parents were Louis Marius Prevost, an educator who also served as a catechist, and Mildred Martínez, a librarian with Spanish roots, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for learning and service. The Prevost family were members of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, they participated in the church as musicians, altar boys, lectors, and volunteers.

Even when he was still young, people around him already noticed his exceptionally soft heart. 

“You could tell at a very young age, there was just a kindness and a compassion about him that wasn’t really typical of most kids. With Robert, it was on display,” John Doughney, a childhood friend, said. 

His early life laid the foundation for a path of service and faith, which he pursued through both academic and religious institutions.

He began his path toward religious life at a minor seminary of the Order of Saint Augustine in Saint Louis and later graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, an Augustinian institution, with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977.

Continuing his education, he earned a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982. His academic pursuits culminated with a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, solidifying his expertise in Church law. 

His linguistic abilities are notable, as he is fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and possesses reading proficiency in Latin and German, making him a polyglot capable of communicating across diverse cultural and ecclesiastical contexts.

Pope Leo XIV entered the Augustinian Order in 1977 and was ordained as priest on June 19, 1982 at 26 years old. He served in Trujillo, Peru as a priest in a parish, seminary, and Augustinian Order. He also served in the United States. 

In 2014, he returned to Peru, where his leadership within the Latin American Church continued to flourish. His exceptional capabilities were recognized by Pope Francis, who appointed him as the Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015, solidifying his influence in the region. 

Prevost was entrusted with the position of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023, carrying a responsibility in a key office within the Vatican that advises the Pope on the selection of bishops worldwide. His expertise and thoughtful approach to Church leadership made him an invaluable asset to the Vatican, and by September 2023, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by the late Pope Francis. 

In addition to his primary role, he also served as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. 

As prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost's role included addressing complex cases, such as that of Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was removed from his post in 2023.

Prevost is described as a centrist — aiming to harmonize progressive social outreach with traditional doctrine, positioning himself as a bridge-builder to continue Pope Francis’ pastoral vision while upholding the Church’s core teachings.

He’s also known for his bold responses to politics, unafraid to tackle issues — especially online — which made him the first extremely online pontiff. More than 400 posts were uploaded on his X account, pinning on a range of issues about racism, sexual abuse by the clergy, the past COVID-19 pandemic, the police murder of George Floyd, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He openly condemned racism, particularly in the wake of African American George Floyd’s murder, posting: “We need to hear more from leaders in the Church to reject racism and seek justice,” after Floyd was suffocated to death under a police officer’s knee.

As an American, he also criticized US President Donald Trump, including his immigration policies. He reposted a 2017 article that called refugee bans a “dark hour of US history” and said it represented an abandonment of American values — a timely stand considering renewed immigration crackdowns under Trump’s recent rhetoric.

His heart bleeds as well for those who have been victims of sexual abuse within the Church. Pope Leo XIV has demanded stronger actions to remove abusive clergy and ensure greater accountability. A staunch opponent of the death penalty, he advocates for a consistent pro-life ethic that values all human life from conception to natural death.

He also stresses the importance of addressing climate change and embracing marginalized groups, aligning himself with Pope Francis's emphasis on environmental stewardship and social inclusion.

However, his stance on LGBTQIA+ issues reveals a more conservative perspective. In a 2012 address, he voiced concerns about Western media and culture promoting "sympathy for beliefs and practices at odds with the Gospel," specifically mentioning the "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”

Regarding women's roles in the Church, he opposes the ordination of women as deacons, saying it might “make a new problem.” However, he has supported reforms to include women in the decision-making process for bishop nominations — a move seen as a historic step toward greater inclusion in Vatican governance.

Sex abuse controversies and criticism

Pope Leo XIV’s rise has not been without controversy — particularly regarding his record on addressing clergy sexual abuse. While he has publicly called for stronger accountability within the Church, he has also faced sharp criticism from survivors and advocacy groups who question his past actions, or lack thereof, in handling abuse cases.

One of the most serious allegations involves his time as an Augustinian provincial in the United States. Some critics have raised concerns that Prevost allowed Richard McGrath, a former president of Providence Catholic High School, to remain at the institution despite credible accusations of sexual abuse. This decision has been condemned as a failure to protect students and uphold transparency.

In March 2025, the Chicago-based Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) submitted a formal letter to the Vatican, outlining a pattern of what they called “inaction” by Prevost. The letter cited his time both in the U.S. and later as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, claiming he allowed known or accused abusers to remain in ministry and failed to adequately investigate reports of sexual harassment and misconduct.

These revelations have sparked renewed scrutiny of his leadership and raised important questions about how his papacy will confront the Church’s ongoing crisis of abuse and accountability. For many, his response as pope will be a critical test of his commitment to justice, transparency, and the protection of the vulnerable.

Committed to synodality, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the importance of "journeying together" within the Church, listening to lay Catholics, and fostering greater inclusion in Church decision-making processes. This commitment reflects his belief in a more participatory and collaborative Church structure, where diverse voices are heard and valued.

Many Filipinos shared their personal encounters with him, reflecting his strong ties to the Philippines. 

Before becoming Pope, as Superior General of the Augustinian Order, he visited the country several times and formed close relationships with Filipino religious communities.

Filipino seminarian Aaron Ricardo Veloso recalled meeting Prevost during the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod in Rome. Veloso described Prevost as kind and soft-spoken, and they discussed the Santo Niño de Cebu. Veloso appreciated how familiar he was with Filipino culture and expressed hope for how the new Pope would engage with Filipino Catholics.

Augustinian priest Fr. Ricky Villar also shared his experiences with the new pontiff, having served during his visits to the Philippines for key events like chapel blessings and masses. Villar marveled at serving someone who would later become Pope and emphasized the deep connection he had with the Filipino Augustinian community.

His understanding of Filipino culture and faith has made him a beloved figure, especially as he seeks to engage with the Church in the Philippines in new, meaningful ways.

At a time when the world feels fractured by conflict, by politics, and by pain, Pope Leo XIV steps into papacy carrying in his heart a quiet strength. His journey, from the suburbs of Chicago to the altars of Peru and now the heart of the Catholic Church, has been a life of listening, learning, and walking alongside others. 

His heart for the poor, his voice for the marginalized, and his deep roots in Latin America make him a competing leader for this moment. Yet questions remain about where he will stand when the Church is asked to confront itself, also carrying the expectations of over a billion Catholics and the complicated hopes of this fractured world.

The world now watches as Pope Leo XIV steps forward with courage — not for perfection, but for the courage to love without exception, lead with fearlessness, and listen where the Church has long been silent.