Vatican City – The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV in February 2026 marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church, ushering in the first American pontiff. Whereas the formal education of Pope Leo owes much to institutions in the northern hemisphere, his formative experiences as a priest and bishop unfolded in Peru, profoundly shaping his pastoral approach and worldview. The story of how Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV is one of dedicated service, cross-cultural understanding, and a quiet commitment to bridging divides—qualities recognized by the College of Cardinals during a pivotal conclave.
The journey to the papacy for the Chicago native wasn’t a conventional one. Many Vatican observers initially dismissed Cardinal Prevost’s chances, presuming a North American candidate stood little hope of election. But, as America Magazine reported, cardinals ultimately saw beyond national boundaries, recognizing in him an international figure capable of connecting with diverse communities.
A Decade Forged in Peru
A pivotal period in the life of the future Pope Leo XIV was his decade spent in Peru, beginning in 1985. Sent by the Augustinians to the Diocese of Chulucanas, then-Father Prevost served under the leadership of Bishop Daniel Turley. Bishop Turley, who later became Bishop Emeritus of Chulucanas, described the experience as transformative. “Those are the life experiences that supply you life to continue on, that nourish you,” Turley said, recalling the impact of witnessing both the beauty and the hardship of life in Peru. “As a young priest, to go through that, and see how beautiful It’s, how poor people can be, and yet all of the goodness and the power of people when they come together, and the wonderful things that they can do if you start breaking down prejudices and division.”
Pope Leo himself affirmed the profound influence of his time in Peru, stating, “The part of ministry that most shaped my life is Peru.” This experience instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and a commitment to social justice—themes that are expected to resonate throughout his papacy. The lessons learned in Peru, according to those who understand him well, are not merely academic but deeply ingrained in his pastoral heart.
From Confession to Cardinal
After his decade in South America, Prevost returned to the United States and eventually became the head of his Augustinian province, encompassing the Midwest and parts of Canada. This role included ministering to Augustinian schools, leading him to St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago in 2000. It was there, hearing confessions, that he made a lasting impression on students like Patrick “PJ” McCarthy.
McCarthy recalled a confession experience markedly different from his previous ones. “I had gone to confession several times before, but it was like two minutes, let me gain out of here as quickly as I can,” McCarthy said. “But this was more of just a conversation.” He described a priest who listened without judgment, engaging in a genuine dialogue about the challenges facing a teenager—underage drinking and sibling rivalry among them. Mike Stawski, a student leader at the retreat, echoed this sentiment, noting that Prevost quickly integrated into the group, demonstrating a welcoming and caring demeanor. “What was so fascinating about him was that almost immediately, we forgot that he wasn’t with us the whole time,” Stawski said.
A Reputation for Competence and Care
Bishop Turley, who served as Prevost’s superior in Peru, consistently praised his friend’s dedication and competence. “If you commission him in something, you delegate something to him, you know that it’s going to be done and that it’s going to be done well,” Turley stated. This reputation for reliability and diligence, coupled with his pastoral sensitivity, propelled Prevost through the ranks of the Augustinian order and eventually to the cardinalate.
The election of Pope Leo XIV signals a potential shift in the Catholic Church’s focus, emphasizing the importance of missionary perform and cross-cultural dialogue. His experiences in Peru, where he witnessed firsthand the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit, are likely to inform his approach to global challenges. The Catholic Herald reported that Bishop Turley described the new Pope as “a man of prayer.”
Looking Ahead
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the Catholic Church faces numerous challenges, including declining membership in some regions, ongoing concerns about clerical abuse, and the need to address global issues such as poverty and climate change. The next major event on the papal calendar is the planned address to the College of Cardinals on March 15, 2026, where he is expected to outline his vision for the Church. His background and the qualities observed by those who know him suggest a pontificate focused on compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
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