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THE POPE IS ALSO PERUVIAN!

Biography of His Holiness Leo XIV

• Birth Name: Robert Francis Prevost

• Date of Birth: September 14, 1955

• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Nationalities: American and Peruvian

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

• Pontificate: Elected Pope on May 8, 2025


• Papal Name: Leo XIV  


Pope Leo XIV and His Connection with Peru

Pope Leo XIV, born in the United States with deep Peruvian roots, lived for more than 20 years in Peru as bishop of Chiclayo. His pastoral experience among Peruvian communities shaped his vision of a Church that is close to the people, compassionate, and committed to serving the most vulnerable. His pontificate reflects the Latin American spirit of faith, social justice, and dedication to the people.

His first Speech

Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian

Pope Leo XIV, that is, Robert Francis Prevost, belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), and therefore he is an Augustinian.

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What does it mean to be an Augustinian?

• He is part of the Order of Saint Augustine, a Catholic religious order based on the spirituality and teachings of Saint Augustine of Hippo.

• Augustinians focus on community life, study, teaching, and pastoral service.

• This tradition values deep thought, humility, and the search for inner truth—all characteristics that are also reflected in Prevost’s personality.

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Additional fact:

Before becoming a bishop, Prevost served as Provincial Prior of the Augustinians in the United States and also worked as a formator of Augustinian seminarians in Peru.

LEO XIV

Education and Religious Life

Robert Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. He studied Mathematics at Villanova University (USA), Theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.


Service in Peru

In 1985, he was sent as a missionary to Peru, initially working in Chulucanas (Piura) and later in Trujillo, where he founded a formation center for future Augustinians. Over more than 30 years, he worked pastorally in both urban and rural areas of Peru, promoting social justice, education, and support for vulnerable communities. He obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015.


Bishop of Chiclayo

In 2014, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo by Pope Francis, and in 2015, he became the bishop of that diocese. He served as Vice President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference and chaired its Commission on Culture and Education. His work was noted for his closeness to the people and commitment to youth.


Service in the Vatican

In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In this role, he was responsible for the selection of bishops worldwide, working towards greater transparency and renewal within the Church.


Pontificate as Leo XIV

Following the death of Pope Francis, Robert Prevost was elected as his successor on May 8, 2025, taking the name Leo XIV. 

In his first message as Pope, he spoke of peace, inclusion, social justice, and environmental care. He addressed his former diocese of Chiclayo in Spanish, demonstrating his deep connection with Peru.

En su primer mensaje como Papa, habló de paz, inclusión,

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History of the Catholic Church in Peru

The history of the Catholic Church in Peru began with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Since then, the Church has played a central role in the religious, cultural, and political life of the country.


1. The Arrival of Catholicism (from 1532 onward)

• In 1532, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by Francisco Pizarro, the evangelization of Peruvian territory began.

• In 1536, the first diocese was founded: the Diocese of Cusco, one of the oldest in the Americas.

• Priests and missionaries—especially from the Dominican, Franciscan, and Jesuit orders—were key in converting indigenous peoples.


2. Religious Syncretism

• The Church promoted conversion to Christianity, but many indigenous practices were integrated into Catholic worship.

• Example: the veneration of the Virgin of Candelaria in Puno combines Catholic beliefs with worship of Pachamama (Mother Earth).


3. Colonial Period

• Numerous churches, cathedrals, and monasteries were built throughout the country.

• The Church controlled education, public morality, and held economic power.

• It was an ally of the Viceroyalty and part of the colonial ruling system.


4. Independence and the 19th Century

• After Peru’s independence (1821), the Church retained its influence, though it lost certain privileges.

• The Peruvian state declared Catholicism as the official religion and maintained close relations with the Vatican.


5. 20th Century and Today

• In the 20th century, the Church played an active role in social issues, especially through Liberation Theology, with figures such as Gustavo Gutiérrez.

• Although Catholicism remains the majority religion, its presence has declined due to the rise of evangelical churches and secular movements.

• Today, the Catholic Church continues its pastoral, educational, and social work throughout the country.

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