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PoliticsVatican City, Peru, USA

Pope Leo XIV: From Father Bob to the Papacy

The remarkable journey of Father Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, from a dedicated priest to the head of the Roman Catholic Church, marked by significant pastoral experience and a supportive nudge from Pope Francis.

By Jason Horowitz, Julie Bosman, Elizabeth Dias, Ruth Graham, Simon Romero and Mitra TajSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Pope Leo XIV: From Father Bob to the Papacy
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In a landscape fraught with challenges, Pope Leo XIV's diverse background equips him for leadership in an evolving world.

In the mid-1990s, Father Robert Prevost found himself facing Peruvian soldiers seeking to draft young seminarians into military service. He stood firm, citing the exemption law for clergy and protecting the future priests in a turbulent time marked by violence and authoritarian rule. This incident symbolized the mission of Father Prevost, who sought to heal rifts in Peru through dramatic story-telling about the nation’s struggles. Now, with a global audience, Pope Leo XIV brings not only a wealth of religious education and global experience but also a deep commitment to confronting the challenges of authoritarianism, technological disruption, and social inequality.As he steps into the papacy, he bears the weight of Pope Francis’s endorsement, who sought to uplift Prevost's career as he approached the end of his papal journey. With robust governance experience and a boundless mission spirit, Pope Leo XIV's voice is poised to resonate worldwide during a critical era.

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