On Thursday, May 8th, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope, the successor of Peter, after Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88. In this resource, we will get to know Pope Leo XIV, reflecting on his first words, ‘Peace be with you’, and pray for him.
Ages
- Primary Years
- Middle Years
- Secondary Years
- Post-Secondary Years
Birth Name: Robert Francis Prevost
Date of Birth: September 14, 1955
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Religious Order: Order of St. Augustine (O.S.A.)
- Nickname: Still affectionately called “Bob” by friends and former colleagues.
- Tennis Player & Wordle Fan:
Plays tennis weekly and loves solving Wordle puzzles—a quick thinker with a competitive yet fun side! - Fast Texter: Known for replying quickly, he texted “Sox” when asked if he prefers the Cubs or White Sox. (Yes, he’s a White Sox fan!)
- Recently Watched: The film Conclave—fittingly, before being elected pope himself.
- Low-Key & Humble: His close friend said, “He doesn’t put on a mask. What you see is what you get.”
- Well-Liked and Approachable: Friends and parishioners described him as warm, inclusive, intelligent, and deeply respected.
- First-Grade Prophecy: A neighbour once said he’d be pope when he was just in first grade.
- Social Media Savvy: As a cardinal, he posted critical but reflective comments on justice and compassion, once writing: “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
- Over 20 Years in Northern Peru
Became a naturalized citizen, deeply involved in community empowerment and Church life.
Known for being close to the people, humble, and pastorally present. - Global Perspective: Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian.
Spent extensive time in Italy and Peru, giving him a multicultural, bridge-building approach to Church leadership.
- Takes His Name from Pope Leo the Great: Likely inspired by the legacy of truth, unity, and pastoral strength.
- Continuity with Pope Francis:
Emphasizes missionary outreach, synodality, and a Church that listens and builds bridges—not walls. - Quiet Strength:
Not flashy, but deeply competent and respected for his integrity.
- Bachelor’s in Mathematics (1977) – Villanova University
A rare combination of logic and faith in his formation. - Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law – Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome
- Doctoral Thesis (1987): The Office and Authority of the Local Augustinian Prior
- Explored themes of leadership, community discernment, and Augustinian identity.
- Edited Work (2002):Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Saint Augustine
- Served as a guide for contemporary Augustinian communities, promoting fraternity and service.
- Contributions to Historical & Theological Volumes
- Saint Augustine (2007) – Focus on spirituality and theological legacy.
- La Ripresa dell’Ordine (2012) – On the renewal of the Order between 1850–1920.
- Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (2023)
Appointed by Pope Francis to oversee the global appointment of bishops—a sign of deep trust in his discernment and wisdom.
Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms clearly reflects his Augustinian roots and the values he seeks to promote during his pontificate, particularly unity and communion within the Church.
The shield is divided diagonally into two sections. The upper half features a blue background with a white lily.
The lower half of the shield has a light background and displays an image that recalls the Order of Saint Augustine: a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow. This is a direct reference to the conversion experience of Saint Augustine, who described his encounter with God’s Word using the phrase: “Vulnerasti cor meum verbo tuo” – “You have pierced my heart with your Word.”
The motto
Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.” The phrase is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, where he explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
In a 2023 interview, then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost spoke about the significance of this motto: “As can be seen from my episcopal motto, unity and communion are truly part of the charism of the Order of Saint Augustine, and also of my way of acting and thinking,” he said. “I believe it is very important to promote communion in the Church, and we know well that communion, participation, and mission are the three key words of the Synod. So, as an Augustinian, for me promoting unity and communion is fundamental.”
Saint Augustine’s reflection on Psalm 127 highlights the theological foundation of this idea. “Christ – head and body – is one single man. And what is the body of Christ? His Church,” Augustine writes. He then adds, “Although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one. We are many and we are one – because we are united to Him, and if our Head is in heaven, the members will follow.”
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/pope-leo-xiv-s-motto-and-coat-of-arms.html
«”La pace sia con tutti voi!”. Fratelli e sorelle carissimi, questo è il primo saluto del Cristo risorto, il buon pastore che ha dato la vita per il gregge di Dio.
Anche io vorrei che questo saluto di pace entrasse nel vostro cuore, raggiungesse le vostre famiglie, tutte le persone, ovunque siano, tutti i popoli, tutta la Terra. La pace sia con voi. Questa è la pace di Cristo risorto, una pace disarmata e una pace disarmante, umile e perseverante. Proviene da Dio.
Dio che ci ama tutti, incondizionatamente.
Ancora conserviamo, nelle nostre orecchie, quella voce debole ma sempre coraggiosa di Papa Francesco, che benediva Roma. Il Papa che benediva Roma, e dava la sua benedizione al mondo intero, quella mattina, nel giorno di Pasqua. Consentitemi di dar seguito a quella stessa benedizione: Dio ci vuole bene, Dio vi ama tutti, e il male non prevarrà: siamo tutti nelle mani di Dio.
Pertanto senza paura, uniti mano nella mano con Dio e tra di noi, andiamo avanti.
Siamo discepoli di Cristo, Cristo ci precede: il mondo ha bisogno della sua luce. L’umanità necessita di lui, come il ponte per essere raggiunta da Dio e dal suo amore. Aiutateci anche voi, poi gli uni gli altri, a costruire ponti con il dialogo, con l’incontro, unendoci tutti per essere un solo popolo, sempre in pace.
Grazie a Papa Francesco.
Voglio ringraziare anche tutti i confratelli cardinali che hanno scelto me per essere successore di Pietro, e camminare insieme a voi, come Chiesa unita, cercando sempre la pace, la giustizia, cercando sempre di lavorare come uomini e donne fedeli a Gesù, senza paura, per proclamare il Vangelo, per essere missionari.
Sono un figlio di Sant’Agostino, agostiniano, che ha detto “con voi sono cristiano e per voi vescovo”. In questo senso possiamo tutti camminare insieme verso quella patria che Dio ci ha preparato.
Alla chiesa di Roma un saluto speciale.
Dobbiamo cercare insieme come essere una Chiesa missionaria, una Chiesa che costruisce ponti, dialogo, sempre aperta a ricevere, come questa piazza con le braccia aperte, tutti coloro che hanno bisogno della nostra carità, della presenza, del dialogo, dell’amore.
Poi un saluto in spagnolo alla sua diocesi, in Perù.
Y si me permiten también, una palabra, un saludo a todos aquellos y en modo particular a mi querida diócesis de Chiclayo, en el Perú, donde un pueblo fiel ha acompañado a su obispo, ha compartido su fe y ha dado tanto, tanto para seguir siendo Iglesia fiel de Jesu Cristo.
(E se mi permettete una parola, un saluto a tutti e in modo particolare alla mia cara diocesi di Chiclayo, in Perù, dove un popolo fedele ha accompagnato il suo vescovo, ha condiviso la sua fede e ha dato tanto, tanto per continuare ad essere Chiesa fedele di Gesù Cristo)
https://video.corriere.it/video-embed/462905f1-2dde-4e5b-abb3-54f0b2a23xlk?playerType=article&autoPlay=false&mute=false Di nuovo in italiano
A tutti voi, fratelli e sorelle, di Roma, d’Italia, di tutto il mondo, vogliamo essere una chiesa sinodale, una Chiesa che cammina, che cerca sempre la pace, la carità, di essere vicina specialmente a coloro che soffrono.
Oggi è il giorno della supplica alla Madonna di Pompei. Nostra madre, Maria, vuole sempre camminare con noi, stare vicino, aiutarci con la sua intercessione e amore. Preghiamo insieme per questa nuova missione per tutta la Chiesa, per la pace del mondo e chiediamo questa grazia speciale a Maria, nostra madre».
Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.
This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter.
Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.
Thank you Pope Francis!
Pope Francis with Robert Francis, Cardinal Prevost, now Leo XIV (Vatican Media)
Thank you to my Cardinal brothers who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.
I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.
To the Church of Rome, a special greeting:
We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.
[In Spanish]:
Hello to all and especially to those of my diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop.
[Returning to Italian]:
To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.
Today is the day of the Supplicatio [Plea] to Our Lady of Pompei.
Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, she always wants to help us with her intercession and her love. So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world.
We ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother.
Hail Mary… [accompanied by the crowds in St Peter’s Square and worldwide.]
20-minute Session
Theme: “Bridge-Builders of Peace” – Inspired by Pope Leo XIV
20-Minute Session:
1. 🧭 Introduction (5 minutes):
- Briefly introduce Pope Leo XIV, highlighting the peace that risen Jesus gives us, his call to be “bridge-builders” to bring peace.
- Share a short quote from his first speech: “Peace be with you all.”
2. 💬 Group Discussion (10 minutes):
- Ask students what being a “bridge-builder” means to them. Encourage them to think about ways they can bring peace and unity in their own lives.
- Share some examples of how Pope Leo XIV acted as a bridge-builder in his missionary work and as a leader.
3. 📝 Prayer Activity (5 minutes):
- Let us welcome Pope Leo XIV. In his first speech, Pope Leo spoke about his wish for the world to be all united and of building bridges to bring this unity.
- Look at this map of islands.
People cannot get close to each other because of the sea between them. - Draw in bridges from one island to the other so that people can walk across and help/support each.
- As you draw, say a prayer to God to bring people close together.
- Gather the students around the display. Lead a short prayer: “Lord, help us to be bridge-builders like Pope Leo XIV. Guide us to spread peace and love in everything we do. Amen.”
- Each student has a ‘brick, ‘ and they can write or draw how they can help build peace.
- Invite students to place their “bricks” on the display as a symbolic gesture of their commitment while praying to God for peace and Pope Leo XIV.
20-Minute Session:
1. 🧭 Introduction (5 minutes)
Purpose: Present Pope Leo XIV and set the tone with the risen Jesus’ gift of peace.
- Introduce Pope Leo XIV:
- First American pope, born in Chicago
- Spent over 20 years working with the poor in Peru
- Spoke about “building bridges” in his first address:
“Peace be with you all.”
- Briefly link it to Jesus’ post-resurrection greeting to the disciples (John 20:19):
“Peace be with you.”
– Explain that the peace of Jesus is active—it makes us bridge-builders.
2. 💬 Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Purpose: Help them apply the metaphor of bridge-building to real life.
Prompt Questions:
- What does “building bridges” mean to you?
- Where do you see conflict or division around you—school, home, online?
- What kind of bridges could someone your age build?
- Why do you think Pope Leo XIV emphasized this message?
Use Real Examples of Pope Leo XIV:
- He lived in Peru for over 20 years, helping people in need.
- He promoted unity between different cultures in the Augustinian order.
- He listens and encourages others to work together—not dominate.
- He said the Church should be close to those who are suffering.
Encourage students to share personal experiences or news they’ve seen where peace or reconciliation was needed.
3. 📝 Prayer Activity (5 minutes)
Activity: Personal Response Brick (can use one of the printable templates)
- Give each student a paper “brick.” Ask them to write:
- One way they can build a bridge this week (e.g., apologizing, including someone left out, listening better)
- A one-line prayer for peace
Optional Sharing: Invite a few to read theirs aloud or place the bricks together on a board titled “Our Bridge of Peace.”
🔚 Wrap-Up Thought:
Close by reminding them that peace isn’t passive—it’s something we build.
And like Pope Leo XIV, they too can be bridge-builders who connect, heal, and bring others closer.
Would you like a handout or slide version of this for classroom use?
Prayer Activity
- Let us welcome Pope Leo XIV. In his first speech, Pope Leo spoke about his wish for the world to be all united and of building bridges to bring this unity.
- Look at this map of islands.
People cannot get close to each other because of the sea between them. - Draw in bridges from one island to the other so that people can walk across and help/support each.
- As you draw, say a prayer to God to bring people close together.
- Gather the students around the display. Lead a short prayer: “Lord, help us to be bridge-builders like Pope Leo XIV. Guide us to spread peace and love in everything we do. Amen.”
- Each student has a ‘brick, ‘ and they can write or draw how they can help build peace.
- Invite students to place their “bricks” on the display as a symbolic gesture of their commitment while praying to God for peace and Pope Leo XIV.
Interviews about Pope Leo XIV
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