Robert Prevost: 10 Things To Know About Pope Leo XIV – A Human Rights Infused Look at the First American Pope’s Journey :
“Peace be with you all.”
With those words, Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and into the global spotlight. It was a moment thick with emotion, tradition, and hope. The first American-born pope had just been elected. But this story is more than historic—it’s deeply human.
As someone who’s followed Church leadership shifts closely, this one stands out. Pope Leo’s roots aren’t only American—they’re global, grounded, and inclusive, shaped by decades of work in Latin America. That’s not just a footnote. It’s a defining feature.
Here are 10 things to know about Pope Leo XIV, through a lens of human dignity, social justice, and leadership impact.
1. He’s American by birth, but Latin American by soul.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Pope Leo’s life has always been multilingual and multicultural. But it was his decision to become a missionary in Peru that shaped the man he is today. He’s not just from the U.S.—he’s deeply rooted in Latin American communities.
He even became a citizen of Peru in 2015, a symbolic gesture that reflected his commitment to the people he served.
2. He spent a decade walking with the people in Peru.
This wasn’t a tourist mission. Leo XIV lived and worked among the poor, teaching at a seminary in Trujillo and serving as a local parish priest. When people speak of him in northern Peru, it’s with affection—because he didn’t just preach; he listened, he built, he stayed.
In human rights work, that kind of sustained, ground-level presence is rare—and powerful.
3. He led a global religious order.
As the prior general of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo oversaw religious communities across continents. This experience honed his administrative skills, but more importantly, gave him a window into diverse spiritual realities—something today’s global Church desperately needs.
4. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and discernment.
As prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he played a crucial role in choosing and mentoring new bishops—a position requiring not just doctrinal expertise, but diplomacy and emotional intelligence. It’s telling that Pope Francis entrusted him with such responsibility.
When I think about how organizations grow or stall, it often comes down to leadership pipelines. Pope Leo has helped shape that pipeline for nearly a decade.
5. His name choice—Leo—is a deliberate nod to social justice.
Choosing the name “Leo” isn’t just a callback to papal tradition. It’s a statement. Pope Leo XIII—his namesake—was known for championing workers’ rights, the dignity of labor, and the Church’s role in economic justice during the Industrial Revolution.
With today’s upheavals—climate change, migration crises, digital disconnection—Leo XIV seems ready to make similar waves.
6. He sees inclusion as strength.
While some speculate he may be more cautious than Francis on LGBTQ+ issues, he has voiced support for the recent Vatican directive allowing blessings for same-sex couples—with pastoral discretion. He’s also backed greater involvement of women in Church leadership, even in the traditionally all-male Dicastery for Bishops.
In 2024, he told Catholic News Service:
“The presence of women contributes significantly to discernment in finding the best candidates for episcopal ministry.”
That kind of openness isn’t just moral—it’s smart. Inclusive leadership boosts clarity, trust, and long-term stability. Data from McKinsey & Co. has long shown that diverse leadership teams outperform less diverse ones.
7. He’s also an academic—grounded in math and theology.
Pope Leo earned his bachelor’s in mathematics from Villanova University—proof he values precision and logic alongside faith. He later earned degrees in theology and canon law, and returned to Peru to teach law to future priests.
Teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a multiplier. When leaders like Leo educate others, they build frameworks that last well beyond their own tenure.
8. He balances duty with humanity.
In interviews, he’s confessed a fondness for tennis, reading, and walking. That may sound trivial, but to me, it’s reassuring. A pope who makes time for reflection, nature, and play is one who hasn’t lost touch with everyday life.
9. He understands the power—and the cost—of speaking up.
During his years in Peru, Pope Leo was no stranger to the shadows cast by the Church’s abuse scandals. Though he was not directly implicated, his diocese faced scrutiny, and he defended transparency.
Leaders who can stand in hard truths without flinching are rare. If Leo XIV applies that same courage to ongoing reform, it could restore vital trust.
10. He’s not afraid to act on the climate crisis.
In speeches, Leo XIV has emphasized moving “from words to action” on the environment. That’s a big deal. The Church has an enormous carbon footprint—but also enormous potential to influence change.
Under his guidance, the Vatican has expanded solar energy use and adopted electric vehicles. Small steps? Maybe. But they matter—especially when modeled by the highest office.
Final Word: Why Pope Leo XIV Matters—For All of Us
I believe leadership is at its best when it’s rooted in reality, compassion, and community. That’s what Pope Leo XIV brings. Whether or not you’re Catholic, his story is a reminder that humble beginnings can lead to transformative leadership—when paired with courage and care.
So yes, history was made. But more importantly? Hope was reignited.