Pope Leo XIV – a detailed analysis of Robert Francis Prevost

As is customary with the election of prominent figures, The Maltese Herald provides a detailed analysis of Pope Leo XIV, who was elected Pope yesterday.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native and former leader of the Augustinian Order, has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first pope from the United States and only the second from the Americas. His election, confirmed by white smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel after two days of conclave voting, marks a historic moment that defies long-held expectations that a pope would never be chosen from a global superpower.

At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis and brings with him a deep commitment to social justice, outreach to the poor, and support for migrants. A polyglot who has spent most of his life outside the US, Prevost is seen as a figure who transcends national borders. In his first address to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he emphasized the need for a “missionary church” that is welcoming, inclusive, and open to dialogue. “We must seek together how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive like this square with open arms,” he said in Italian.

An international candidate for the Papacy

Pope Leo XIV’s international experience played a significant role in his election. He served more than 20 years in Peru, where he became a bishop in Chiclayo and a naturalized Peruvian citizen. He later rose to global prominence as the leader of the Augustinians and eventually as head of the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection and management of bishops worldwide under Pope Francis.

This extensive Vatican experience, coupled with his appreciation for church institutions, made him an appealing candidate to the Roman Curia, which sought stable and experienced leadership after the often reform-driven and disruptive tenure of Pope Francis.

Prevost’s leadership style is described as humble, balanced, and collaborative. He is known for prioritizing pastoral outreach and for incorporating laypeople into church activities. During his time as bishop in Chiclayo, he frequently traveled to remote communities and emphasized that the church should “go to the people,” not simply expect people to come to church.

Colleagues and former classmates describe him as calm under pressure, thoughtful, and steady in crises. “He is a very balanced, measured kind of person who deals well with crisis,” said Rev. Mark R. Francis, a former classmate. Rev. Michele Falcone, a priest from the Augustinian Order, described him as someone with a flexible, collaborative leadership style, equally at ease in formal liturgical settings or casual parish gatherings.

Despite his American roots, the Vatican emphasized that he is the second pope from the Americas rather than highlighting his U.S. nationality. His election sparked immediate celebration in Chicago, where he is remembered fondly as a seminary classmate and pastor with a deep concern for the poor.

However, Pope Leo XIV’s record is not without controversy. During his tenure as head of the Augustinians in the U.S., his office faced criticism for failing to notify a Catholic school about the presence of a priest with a known history of abuse, who was sheltered in a nearby monastery. His handling of that situation may face renewed scrutiny as his papacy begins.

On social issues, Leo XIV has expressed more conservative views compared to Pope Francis, particularly on LGBTQ+ matters and gender ideology. In a 2012 address, he criticized the growing acceptance of the “homosexual lifestyle” and same-sex families. He also opposed government initiatives to introduce gender education in Peruvian schools, calling it “confusing” and inconsistent with church teachings.

Still, supporters say his leadership will be marked by a continuation of many of Francis’ reforms, particularly the consultative process that brings laypeople into discussions with bishops. While stylistically more reserved and discreet than his predecessor, Leo XIV is expected to maintain the Church’s emphasis on outreach and global inclusivity.

Outside of church affairs, he is known to enjoy tennis and baseball and is admired for his simple, down-to-earth demeanor. He is often seen dining informally with fellow priests and is known to wash his own dishes.

His election was met with surprise and excitement in many quarters, from Rome to Chicago to Chiclayo. “They picked a good man,” said Father William Lego, a classmate from seminary days. “He always had that sense of being conscious of the poor and trying to help them.”

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, the global Catholic community will watch closely to see how he balances continuity with his own leadership style in guiding the Church forward.

Brother of Pope Leo XIV Reflects on Historic Election and Family Roots

John Prevost, the older brother of newly elected Pope Leo XIV, admitted he knew there was always a possibility his brother could be chosen as pope — even if the man himself didn’t believe it.

“Last Saturday, one of the priests told me the odds in Las Vegas were 18 to 1,” John recalled from his home in New Lenox, Illinois. “He was convinced it would be my brother.” But when John called Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to mention it, his brother quickly dismissed the idea. “‘No way, not going to happen,’” the cardinal told him.

Yet, it did. On Thursday, Cardinal Prevost became Pope Leo XIV — the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Back in Illinois, where the brothers grew up in Dolton just outside Chicago, his friends and family are still adjusting to the enormity of the moment.

In a wide-ranging interview, John Prevost shared reflections on his brother’s rise, values, and likely approach to the papacy. “He has a great desire to help the downtrodden and ignored,” John said, noting that Leo XIV is likely to follow closely in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, with whom he shared a strong friendship.

The Prevost family has deep Midwestern roots. Their father was a school superintendent, their mother a librarian deeply engaged in parish life. Robert, now Pope Leo, left Illinois for high school in Michigan and college in Pennsylvania but later returned to Illinois for graduate studies and work with the Augustinians. He also spent much of his career in Peru, serving communities as a priest and bishop.

John described his brother as “middle of the road” — unlikely to pursue extreme positions but also unafraid to speak out when needed. “I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration,” he said. “He won’t just sit back. He won’t be the silent one.”

Initially, Robert Prevost dismissed the idea of becoming pope outright, telling family “absolutely not” when the possibility was raised. But in time, as his responsibilities within the Church grew, his response softened to: “Well, if it’s what God wants, then we’ll deal with it.”

Thursday was a whirlwind for John Prevost, whose phone rang nonstop and whose street was lined with media trucks. He reflected on what their late parents might have thought of the historic moment. “They would be on Cloud 9,” he said. “Absolutely incredible. You couldn’t even dream this.”

John hopes to visit his brother in Rome but isn’t yet sure when or how. In the meantime, he’s quick to correct one widely circulated claim — despite some reports, Pope Leo XIV is not a Chicago Cubs fan. “He’s always cheered for the White Sox,” John clarified with a smile.

Pope has voted frequently in his home state of Illinois

Pope Leo XIV has voted several times in his home state of Illinois in recent years, public records show, including with an absentee ballot in last November’s presidential election.

According to records from Will County, in suburban Chicago, the pope has voted in three Republican primaries since 2012 and no Democratic primaries in that time. He most recently voted in a Republican primary in 2016.

A local angle – visits to Malta

Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV has visited Malta on several occasions. The most recent was in 2023 when he attended the European Bishops Episcopal Conference where he also celebrated solemn mass at the Mosta Basilica. However he was here much earlier, in 2003 where he visited the College of St Augustine in Gwardamangia and also in 2010 when he was in Zurrieq for the 25th anniversary of Fr Raphael Abdilla, OSA.

Pope Leo XVI is also a Peruvian citizen

While Pope Leo XIV made history as the first American pope, his election has been equally celebrated in Peru — a country he long called home and where many consider him one of their own.

“Many people here are very moved,” said Rev. Elmer Uchofen, a priest in Chiclayo, where the new pope served as bishop. “We are very excited. Everyone rejoiced in this church.” Across the country, the bells of Lima’s Catholic cathedral rang out in celebration after the announcement.

In his first address as pontiff from Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV warmly acknowledged “my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop.”

Robert Francis Prevost first arrived in Peru in 1985 as a missionary in remote rural areas, during a time of widespread violence caused by the Shining Path, a Maoist insurgent group. After returning to the U.S. in 1998, he went back to Peru in 2014, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo and later became a Peruvian citizen.

In Peru, those who knew him recall a leader who was humble, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping the poor. He worked closely with Caritas, the Church-run charity organization, and frequently delivered food and supplies to flood-prone communities, often carrying heavy bags of rice on his back.

“He always checked in on us and helped us greatly,” said Father Uchofen, describing how Prevost remained connected even after being called to Rome in 2023 to oversee the Vatican’s department that appoints bishops.

The Rev. Peter Hughes, an Irish missionary based in Lima, said Pope Leo XIV views both the world and the Church from the perspective of the poor. “He’s kind of low-key… not a man that easily makes waves,” Hughes noted, predicting he will continue many of Pope Francis’s reforms but in a quieter, less flamboyant style.

During his tenure in Chiclayo, Prevost also faced criticism over his handling of a clergy sexual abuse case, with one woman alleging that he mishandled investigations into priests accused of abusing minors years before his episcopacy and failed to stop one from celebrating Mass.

Nonetheless, both Father Uchofen and Rev. Hughes believe the new pope shares Pope Francis’s progressive values and dedication to reform and advocacy for vulnerable communities.

“He may not be as comfortable with crowds or as charismatic as Francis,” said Rev. Hughes. “But who knows — he may grow into the role. He’s a surprising man.”