Pope Leo XIV (His Life, Beliefs, and papal ascent)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily match my own. - Dr. Bart D. Ehrman

Habemus Papam. “We have a pope.” These words were pronounced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti on May 8th at approximately 7:30 PM, igniting a wave of elation and applause among the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. With the traditional formula, Mamberti announced that the College of Cardinals (an institution formally established in 1059 to advise and elect the bishop of Rome) had reached its decision.

The new pope of the Catholic Church is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV: The 266th pontiff in the line of succession and first ever to be born in the United States. As the news rapidly spread across the globe, I was met with the inevitable question: What can we expect from this new pope?

Every papal election marks a moment of historical consequence, not only for the Catholic Church’s 1.3 billion adherents but for global geopolitics, interreligious dialogue, and ethical discourse on a range of urgent social issues. 

A new pope embodies, to some extent, the hopes and anxieties of the cardinals who elected him. But he also carries the burden of expectation from a watching world that increasingly questions the Church’s place in the modern age.

In the days and months ahead, commentators will scrutinize every gesture, homily, and appointment made by Pope Leo XIV. But already, with the choice of name and the tone of his first words, he has begun to shape a papal identity.

In what follows, we’ll look more closely at who Leo XIV is, what the choice of his papal name may signify, and what trajectory he might chart, whether in continuity with his predecessor, Pope Francis, or in a new direction altogether.

From Robert Francis Prevost to Pope Leo XIV: A Short Biography

Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish heritage. Raised in the suburb of Dolton, he was immersed in Catholic life from an early age, serving as an altar boy and participating actively in his parish community.

Prevost pursued higher education at Villanova University, an Augustinian institution, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977. He then entered the Order of Saint Augustine, professing solemn vows in 1981.

He was ordained a priest in 1982 after completing a Master of Divinity at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Furthering his theological education, he obtained a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

His pastoral journey led him to Peru in 1985, where he served as a missionary, seminary professor, and eventually as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. His deep commitment to the Peruvian people earned him dual citizenship and the affectionate moniker “Latin Yankee.”

In 2001, Prevost was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a position he held until 2013. His leadership extended to the Vatican when Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals later that year.

Omen Est Nomen: What’s in a Name?

One of the first significant decisions a newly elected pope makes is choosing his pontifical name. This tradition dates back to the year 533, when Mercurius, bearing a distinctly pagan-sounding name, opted for John II to symbolize a new (Christian) identity. Since then, the chosen name serves as an indication of the new pope’s aspirations, values, and the legacy he hopes to emulate.

By choosing the name Leo XIV, Robert F. Prevost deliberately aligns himself with some of the most influential and historically significant figures ever to occupy the Chair of Saint Peter.

The first and perhaps most revered Leo, Leo I (440-461), often known as Leo the Great, profoundly shaped papal authority. He vigorously asserted the Petrine doctrine, the theological cornerstone emphasizing the primacy of the pope as the spiritual successor of the Apostle Peter. 

Leo I’s theological mastery was most clearly displayed in his celebrated document, known simply as the “Tome,” delivered to the Council of Chalcedon (451). In this theological treatise, Leo articulated the doctrine of Christ’s dual nature (fully human and fully divine), establishing a theological standard that resonates to this day. Beyond theology, Leo was also a formidable diplomat.

At a time when the Roman imperial authority was crumbling, he famously confronted Attila the Hun in 452, persuading him to abandon plans to invade and devastate Rome. Leo I also left an extensive literary legacy: Around 150 letters and 96 sermons, unprecedented at the time.

Centuries later, Leo X (1513-1521) presided during a tumultuous epoch for the Catholic Church. Initially favorable toward humanist and Renaissance ideals, Leo X dramatically shaped church history by excommunicating Martin Luther in 1521, inadvertently igniting the Protestant Reformation.

His papacy also offers a striking example of shifting alliances: initially, Leo X warmly supported King Henry VIII of England, honoring him with the title Defender of the Faith after Henry authored a treatise against Luther. Tragically for the unity of Christendom, that very relationship soured dramatically in subsequent years, eventually culminating in England's break with Rome and the establishment of the Anglican Church.

Leo XIII (1878-1903) occupies yet another essential place in papal history. His long pontificate navigated the difficult realities of modernity and political upheaval. Profoundly skeptical of socialism, which he famously denounced as a “murderous pestilence,” Leo XIII was equally wary of democracy, believing it to be incompatible with the divinely ordained order.

Yet he also demonstrated considerable political pragmatism, recognizing that cooperation was possible, even necessary, with secular governments that were not openly hostile to the Church.

Perhaps his most lasting achievement was his landmark encyclical, Rerum Novarum (1891), which addressed the industrial-age challenges of workers' rights, poverty, and economic injustice.

By selecting the name Leo XIV, Pope Robert Francis Prevost signals an awareness of (and perhaps an ambition toward) the extraordinary legacies of his predecessors. Each Pope Leo uniquely navigated crises of theology, diplomacy, and societal change, and each profoundly influenced the course of history. So, what can we expect from Leo XIV? 

Continuity or Change? Pope Leo XIV and the Politics of the Church

One of my postgraduate professors used to caution us frequently that predictions of the future aren’t within the historian’s purview. Every time historians have attempted to predict future events, he argued, they have failed miserably. Evidently, he was skeptical of Cicero’s famous dictum, Historia est magistra vitae. 

Yet he had a valid point. Historical understanding is fundamentally retrospective.

Nonetheless, the historical past can provide vital clues about the direction a leader might take. Therefore, before I venture into any speculation regarding Pope Leo XIV’s future trajectory, I must acknowledge that my observations, while grounded in evidence, remain inherently subjective, based upon scrutiny of the new Pope’s previous life, statements, and actions.

If his past actions and declarations are indicative, we might reasonably expect certain continuities from Pope Francis, especially regarding social justice, migration, and environmental stewardship, but with possibly more pronounced conservative stances on moral and ethical issues.

First, Pope Leo XIV’s record on migration clearly suggests continuity with Francis’ compassionate stance. As the bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, Prevost publicly advocated for Venezuelan refugees, viewing them as victims of an oppressive political and economic regime under Nicolás Maduro.

His criticism extended beyond Latin America. As it turns out, he openly condemned restrictive U.S. immigration policies during the Trump administration, arguing that a truly Christian approach must transcend national boundaries.

His advocacy for humane immigration policies was neither subtle nor infrequent. Rather, it was explicit and vocal, drawing attention from global media.

This suggests that Pope Leo XIV will likely continue the advocacy pioneered by Pope Francis for migrants and refugees worldwide, aligning closely with the social teachings outlined in encyclicals such as Fratelli Tutti and earlier papal messages on social justice.

However, Pope Leo XIV’s social policy is unlikely to represent a mere continuation of Francis’ agenda across all fronts. His previous declarations on “gender ideology” and sexuality reveal a markedly more conservative approach.

For example, in 2016, Prevost explicitly opposed the integration of gender theory into Peruvian educational curricula, criticizing such programs for promoting ideas that aren’t based in reality. He noted: 

Earlier, in 2012, Prevost also expressed disapproval of media representations he believed normalized same-sex relationships and parenting. In his address to the Synod of the Augustinian Order, he asserted:

Although Francis also maintained traditional teachings, he adopted a more conciliatory pastoral tone. Pope Leo XIV may thus steer the Church towards a more traditional doctrinal emphasis, particularly regarding sexuality and gender.

Similarly, Pope Leo XIV’s vocal advocacy for pro-life positions is unmistakable. He has openly participated in anti-abortion initiatives such as the March for Life and clearly articulated his opposition to euthanasia and capital punishment. By doing that, he reflected traditional Church teachings rooted in John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae.

Such positions suggest no imminent doctrinal shifts (Would that even be possible?) but rather reinforce longstanding Church teachings. This may reassure traditionalist factions within the Church, offering a sense of doctrinal continuity after a period perceived by some as characterized by ambiguity under Francis’ pontificate.

Environmental concerns are another domain where Pope Leo XIV has explicitly aligned with his predecessor. He has articulated the moral urgency of addressing climate change, echoing Francis’ environmental activism as expressed in the encyclical Laudato Si'. However, it remains to be seen how intensely he will pursue ecological issues.

In ecclesiastical governance, Leo XIV seems cautiously open to greater inclusion. Notably, his role in appointing women to significant positions within the Vatican hierarchy signals a willingness to extend their involvement in Church leadership, even if ordination itself remains off-limits.

In sum, I think Pope Leo XIV will likely represent both continuity and change. His record indicates that he will maintain Pope Francis’ progressive humanitarian legacy concerning migrants, refugees, and environmental stewardship, while potentially reasserting more traditional stances on morality and sexuality.

Conclusion

When Josef Stalin sarcastically asked, “How many divisions does the pope have?” he profoundly misunderstood the nature of papal power. Stalin measured authority by the count of tanks and soldiers, neglecting the intangible yet potent influence wielded by moral leadership, spiritual guidance, and the ability to shape global discourse. 

Indeed, history has repeatedly shown that the power of the papacy transcends conventional metrics of strength.

The election of Pope Leo XIV places the Catholic Church once again at a pivotal juncture. His choice of name aligns him with formidable historical predecessors: Leo the Great’s theological clarity, Leo X’s dramatic entanglements during the Reformation, and Leo XIII’s enduring social teachings.

Pope Leo XIV, therefore, inherits the complex challenges of contemporary society, ranging from migration crises and socio-economic inequalities to profound ethical debates over human dignity and identity. Not to mention issues of Biblical exegesis in the post-modern world! 

What remains uncertain is precisely how Pope Leo XIV will navigate these issues. Will his papacy be marked by cautious continuity with Pope Francis’ compassionate approach, or will he lean toward a renewed emphasis on doctrinal firmness and traditional morality?

As a scholar deeply influenced by the Catholic tradition, I earnestly hope Pope Leo XIV can chart a path forward that responsibly engages contemporary concerns without compromising the core doctrines of the Church. 

Only time will reveal how he’ll balance these profound responsibilities entrusted to him. In the end, Habemus Papam is only the first step – the initial proclamation that signals both closure and commencement, a moment in which the known past and uncertain future intersect.