Pope Leo XIV’s Formation: The Chicago Influence
Robert Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV was unexpected. Having spent 12 years with him in Rome and being a classmate at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago from 1977 to 1982, the announcement of “Robertus Franciscus Prevost” from St. Peter’s Basilica felt surreal.
I’ve always known him as “Bob.” We studied together and served our communities. This announcement changes everything, placing him among the successors of Peter, whose 2,000-year history we studied in preparation for priesthood.
What does Pope Leo XIV offer the Church? He is shaped by his experiences in Chicago, particularly on the South Side, where the Church has fought racial injustice while also grappling with racism within its own ranks. He’s also a product of the Augustinian order, known for its spirituality and outreach to the poor. His studies at Catholic Theological Union, a seminary that embraced the reforms of Vatican II by integrating seminarians with the outside world, also shaped him. This was inspired by Gaudium et Spes, which emphasized the importance of addressing the joys, hopes, griefs, and anxieties of all people, especially the poor and afflicted.
Studying in the city alongside women religious and lay people underscored the need to implement the Council’s vision for the Church.
Pope Leo XIV is not just a U.S. Pope. He has dedicated much of his life to serving the international church, particularly in the Global South. As a missionary in northern Peru and later as Prior General of the Augustinian order, he brings international experience to his new role. While he holds a degree in Canon Law, his time in Latin America has taught him that the Church is defined not just by law but by the faith of the people – Pope Francis’ “Santo Pueblo y Fiel” – that has been passed down through generations. Pope Leo will likely be sensitive to popular religious expressions of faith as a form of inculturation of the Gospel. Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, with its missiology professors and international student body, prepared him for his cross-cultural ministry.
Pope Leo will follow the path outlined by Pope Francis. The Church must listen to everyone, especially those on the margins, to effectively proclaim the Gospel. Teaching must be demonstrated through action, and outreach to the poor, women, and the non-European/North American Church will be a priority. Addressing sensitive issues such as LGBTQ individuals, the invasion of Ukraine, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will also be key concerns.
As a classmate, fellow priest, and Christian, I celebrate Robert Prevost’s election as Pope. God’s grace is evident in the election of a Pope from an unexpected place: Chicago!
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