Pope Leo 2025 ~

On May 8th 2025, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church - marking a historic milestone as the first American to assume the Papacy. He was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955 and was ordained in 1982 and embarked on missionary work in Peru where he led an Augustinian seminary in Trujillo. He was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis in 2014. He was elevated to Cardinal in 2023. He was the youngest of three children. His Father was of French and Italian descent and his Mother was of Spanish descent. He attended a Catholic elementary school and served as an altar boy. He went to High School in Michigan graduating in 1973. he studied at Villanova University earning a BA in mathematics. He received a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in 1982.

Choosing the name Leo, he aligns himself with with predecessors known for their engagement with social issues such as Leo XIII who addressed workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution. This choice suggests a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges with a focus on social justice.

He has highlighted the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, urging the Church to engage proactively with technological advancements to uphold human dignity and justice. He has emphasised the importance of transparency and credibility in the lives of priests - encouraging them to remain close to the people they serve.