Profile: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — The New Pope

Name: Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A.

Born: September 14, 1955

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Religious Order: Order of St. Augustine (O.S.A.)

Current Role (before election): Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops

Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French

Background and Early Life

Cardinal Robert Prevost was born into a devout Catholic family in Chicago, Illinois. He entered the Order of St. Augustine and was ordained a priest in 1982. From an early stage in his ministry, he demonstrated a strong commitment to pastoral care, missionary work, and theological formation.

Prevost holds a licentiate and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Catholic University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. His academic rigor and fluency in multiple languages have made him a respected voice in both theological and administrative spheres.

Missionary and Pastoral Work

A defining chapter in Prevost’s life came through his work in Peru, where he spent over a decade serving in pastoral and leadership roles within the Augustinian missions. Deeply loved for his humility, fluency in Spanish, and solidarity with the local communities, Prevost became a bridge between cultures and a champion of the marginalized.

His experience in Latin America gave him valuable insights into the global South’s dynamic role in modern Catholicism—an asset that informed his later leadership in Rome.

Rise in Church Leadership

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Apostolic Administrator, and later Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. His leadership was marked by efforts to heal internal divisions, strengthen seminaries, and restore trust in the local Church.

In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—a powerful position overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide. His performance in that role, marked by discretion, discernment, and a pastoral heart, elevated his profile within the College of Cardinals.

He was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of September 30, 2023.

Style and Vision

Cardinal Prevost is known for his calm demeanor, intellectual depth, and commitment to collegiality in governance. His Augustinian spirituality emphasizes community, introspection, and service—principles likely to shape his papacy.

Observers expect his leadership to emphasize:

• Pastoral compassion over ideological confrontation

• Transparency and reform in Church governance

• Greater inclusion of voices from the global South

• Strong focus on episcopal integrity and leadership formation

As the newly elected Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost brings a unique blend of American pragmatism, Latin American pastoral experience, and Roman ecclesial wisdom to the Chair of St. Peter.