Childhood marked Pope Leo's call to the priesthood; his destiny as a priest was never in question by anyone
Pope Leo XIV: A Journey from Altar Boy to the Papal Throne
Pope Leo XIV, born as Robert Francis Prevost, has had a unique journey to the papal throne. His journey began in the United States, where he served as an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption church in Dolton, Illinois, around the age of 6. This early experience in the church would prove to be a significant influence on his life.
Fast forward to the late '80s and '90s, and we find Pope Leo teaching theology at the Augustinian seminary in Chulucanas, Peru. This was a formative period for him, setting the stage for his future roles within the church.
After his ordination in 1982, Pope Leo became a canon lawyer, a profession that would serve him well in his subsequent roles. He worked in canon law in the Diocese of Chulucanas, based in the impoverished mountains of northern Peru.
In the 1990s, Pope Leo was chosen to lead the Midwest Augustinians, a role he held from 1999-2001. This was followed by his election as Prior General for the entire Order of St. Augustine based in Rome, a position he held from 2001-2013. During this time, he was mentored and guided by his predecessors within the Augustinian Order, who prepared him for the roles he would later assume.
Pope Francis appointed Pope Leo as administrator, then bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. This was a significant step towards his eventual election as pope.
Pope Leo's election as pope on May 8, 2023, marked a new chapter in his life. Prior to his election, he had headed the Dicastery for Bishops. His tenure as pope has been marked by a strong emphasis on the Mass as a means to be close to Jesus, a belief he held even before receiving his first Communion.
The Order of St. Augustine, also known as "men of heart," has a strong focus on unity, truth, and love. These values have been evident in Pope Leo's leadership, reflecting the influence of his formative years within the order.
According to a report on the 2024 ordination class, being an altar server has been a significant influence for vocations to the priesthood. This was certainly true in the case of Robert Prevost, who chose the Order of St. Augustine in eighth grade, likely drawn to its emphasis on community, service, and spirituality.
Father Bill Lego, who attended the same school as Pope Leo, described him as a student who had a significant experience during a silent retreat in his novitiate year. This experience, along with his strong home environment, which was deeply Catholic, with daily rosary, weekly fish consumption, and frequent interactions with clergy, played a crucial role in shaping Pope Leo into the spiritual leader he is today.
In the 2024 ordination class, 82% had both parents who were Catholic, reflecting the enduring influence of family background on vocations to the priesthood. In the case of Pope Leo, this influence was evident from a young age, shaping him into the servant of the church that he is today.
