"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." -Matthew 16:18
"Habemus Papam!"
What a wonderful moment to be Catholic. Following the tradition of visiting the Room of Tears and the Papal dressing, our newly elected pope was announced on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica...Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost: Pope Leo XIV.
The new Pope delivered his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi, to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and those watching globally.
Some background on Pope Leo XI
Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), the first American Pope, was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago to a family of Italian, French, and Spanish heritage. His early life was marked by a deep commitment to faith and service. He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, professing solemn vows in 1981. His academic pursuits led him to earn a degree in mathematics from Villanova University, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and both licentiate and doctoral degrees in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
In 1985, Prevost embarked on a missionary journey to Peru, serving in Chulucanas and later in Trujillo. His roles included parish vicar, seminary rector, and canon law professor, reflecting a blend of pastoral care and scholarly engagement. His leadership qualities were recognized globally when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order in 2001, a position he held until 2013.
Pope Francis appointed him as the bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014, and later brought him to Rome in 2023 to serve as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide. His elevation to cardinal in September 2023 further solidified his standing within the Church hierarchy.
Pope Leo XIV's focus on the Eucharist
Pope Leo XIV is known for his humility and approachability. But most importantly, Pope Leo XIV is known for his Eucharistic devotion, a trait that has marked both his pastoral ministry and his theological emphasis. His years as a missionary, seminary rector, and bishop were shaped by a reverence for the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
In a time when the world is often distracted by noise and novelty, his example in this way draws us back to the very heart of our Catholic faith: the Eucharist. The Church does not simply believe in the Eucharist — she lives from it. As Pope Leo XIV steps into the Chair of Peter, we are all reminded that the source and summit of our faith is not a program or policy, but a Person — Jesus Christ, truly present in the Holy Eucharist.
The name of Leo
The name "Leo" signifies the strong leadership and docrinal clarity of the other Pope Leos who have gone before him. Pope Leo the Great famously defeated Attlia the Hun and St. Leo is one of the four great Western fathers of the Church. The name means "Lion" which of course spiritually refers to strength of faith.
Leo XIII was the first pope to be filmed and truly embraced technology, and perhaps this is one of the aspects that Pope Leo XIV will also embrace. Apparently he is also an avid tennis player and those who knew him in Chicago warmly called him Fr. Bob.
Join us in praying for Pope Leo!
