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Modern-Day Miracle: The First American Pope
Author: NICOLE WINFIELD & VANESSA GERA, AP
In an unprecedented move, Vatican cardinals bucked tradition and selected the first U.S. pope, with Chicago-born Robert Prevost claiming the esteemed position.
A History-Making Pope
Born in the bustling city of Chicago in 1955, Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, stands as the first American to ascend to the global stage of the Catholic Church's leadership.
According to records, Prevost's educational journey led him to Villanova University, where he earned a Mathematics degree in 1977 [1]. In the same year, he became a member of the Augustinian religious order, committing to lifelong vows in 1981 [2]. Furthering his academic pursuits, he gained advanced degrees in divinity and canon law, culminating in a doctorate from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome [2].
An Ecclesiastical Journey
Prevost's ordination in 1982 marked the start of a remarkable ecclesiastical journey [3]. He embarked upon his early decades of pastoral and academic work in Peru, serving as chancellor, seminary rector, professor of canon law, and judicial vicar [3].
Following his tenure as provincial prior of the Augustinians in Chicago in 1999, Prevost ascended to prior general of the worldwide Augustinian order for two terms before stepping down in 2013 [3]. He returned to Peru, taking up the roles of apostolic administrator and then bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo at Pope Francis' request [3].
In January 2023, Prevost was appointed prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful office responsible for worldwide bishops' appointments [3]. The following year, he was elevated to cardinal [3].
A Transformative Era
Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV signifies more than just the first American-born pope, but also reflects his extensive missionary work and political influence within the global Church hierarchy [4][5]. This appointment marks a remarkable milestone, bringing an American-born leader to the papacy for the first time [4][5].
[1] Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova
[2] Order of Saint Augustine
[3] Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas
[4] Villanova University
[5] Associated Press
- The first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago in 1955.
- Prior to his election as pope, Pope Leo XIV held various roles within the Augustinian order, including chancellor, seminary rector, and judicial vicar.
- In January 2023, Pope Leo XIV was appointed prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, a position of significant influence in global Church politics.
