In Pictures: From Chicago priest to new pope, the historic rise of Leo XIV
Robert Francis Prevost, who ascended from being a Chicago priest to becoming Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. His journey included significant roles such as a parish administrator in Peru and receiving the red biretta from Pope Francis in 2023. Various images depict his early life and career, including moments with Pope John Paul II and his elevation to cardinal. His election was celebrated across the world, with his first public appearance as pope being on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The new pope has been characterized as a blend of his predecessors and is establishing a unique papal identity.
Context:
Robert Francis Prevost, who ascended from being a Chicago priest to becoming Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. His journey included significant roles such as a parish administrator in Peru and receiving the red biretta from Pope Francis in 2023. Various images depict his early life and career, including moments with Pope John Paul II and his elevation to cardinal. His election was celebrated across the world, with his first public appearance as pope being on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The new pope has been characterized as a blend of his predecessors and is establishing a unique papal identity.
Dive Deeper:
Robert Francis Prevost's journey to becoming Pope Leo XIV began with his upbringing in Dolton, Illinois, and continued through his education and early roles in the church, including a stint as parish administrator in Trujillo, Peru.
Prevost's elevation within the church hierarchy was marked by his receipt of the red biretta from Pope Francis in 2023, signifying his appointment as a cardinal, a crucial step before his eventual election as pope.
The election of Pope Leo XIV was met with global interest, highlighted by his first appearance to the public from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, a significant moment that symbolizes the beginning of his papacy.
Images from his past, including those with Pope John Paul II and during significant church events, provide a visual narrative of his life and rise within the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV has been described as embodying elements of the last three papacies, indicating a blend of continuity and change, as he begins to carve out his papal identity in the Vatican.
His election was a moment of celebration for many, especially those who knew him from his days in the United States and Peru, marking a significant milestone in his religious career and the history of the church.
Pope Leo XIV's first days as pontiff included leading significant masses and engaging with the College of Cardinals, setting the tone for his leadership and approach to his new role.