Pope Leo XIV, An American Pontiff with Deep Immigrant Roots

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, has made history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. His election marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and highlights the diverse cultural tapestry that shapes his identity.

Photo credit: Catholic Diocese of Murang'a, “Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois.”, Facebook post, accessed May 18, 2025.

Family Heritage and Early Life

Prevost's lineage is a rich and complex blend of Italian, French, and Louisiana Creole ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Salvatore Giovanni Gaetano Riggitano, emigrated from Milazzo, Sicily, to the United States in 1903. Upon settling in Chicago, he adopted the name John R. Prevost and worked as a language teacher. On his mother's side, Mildred Agnes Prevost (née Martínez) hailed from a mixed-race Creole family that moved from New Orleans to Chicago. She pursued a career in education, earning a degree in library science from DePaul University in 1947.

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, the Prevost was deeply influenced by his family's strong Catholic faith and commitment to community service. He has two older brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph.

Religious Vocation and Global Experience

After completing his undergraduate studies in mathematics and philosophy at Villanova University, Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977. He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1982. His missionary work took him to Peru, where he served as Bishop of Chiclayo and later led the Augustinian order for two terms. In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing global bishop appointments.

Prevost's extensive experience in Latin America and leadership within the Vatican have positioned him as a bridge between diverse cultures and traditions within the Church.

A Symbol of Change

Pope Leo XIV's multicultural background resonates with the evolving demographics of the Catholic Church in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. Catholic population is becoming increasingly diverse, with 36% identifying as Hispanic and 2% as Black. His heritage and commitment to inclusivity reflect the broader shifts within the Church.

In his inaugural Mass at St. Peter's Square, attended by 200,000 people, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity and peace, calling for the Church to be a reconciliatory force in a divided world.