In a historic turn of events, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on 8 May 2025, assuming the name Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he became the first North American pontiff, marking a significant shift in the Church’s global leadership. His election follows the long and influential papacy of Pope Francis, bringing fresh perspectives on social justice, peace, and global outreach.

Early Life and Missionary Work

Pope Leo XIV was born in September 1955 and raised in a devout Catholic family in Chicago. He joined the Augustinian Order, pursuing theological studies in the United States before dedicating much of his life to missionary work in Latin America, particularly in Peru. His commitment to the region earned him the affectionate nickname “Latin Yankee” in Rome, symbolising his deep connection to the communities he served.

Rising through the ranks of the Augustinian Order, Prevost was twice elected as Prior General, the highest office within the Order. His experience in leadership prepared him for significant roles within the Vatican, culminating in his appointment as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. In this role, he oversaw the appointment of bishops around the world, shaping the Church’s global hierarchy.

Election and Vision

The conclave that elected Leo XIV was swift, with white smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel on the second day of voting. His choice of the name “Leo XIV” is symbolic, invoking the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for his groundbreaking encyclicals on social justice, and the humility of Brother Leo, companion of St Francis of Assisi. In his first address from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with a message of peace, emphasising “disarmed and disarming peace” and a commitment to dialogue and evangelisation.

What Pope Leo XIV Stands For

Pope Leo XIV has made it clear from the outset that his papacy will prioritise themes of social justice, compassionate outreach, and global peace. His long-standing missionary work in Latin America shaped his vision for a Church that is deeply engaged with the poor and marginalised. In public addresses, he has spoken about the importance of economic justice, fair treatment for migrants, and environmental stewardship; a continuation of the ecological advocacy seen during Pope Francis’s tenure.

Central to his leadership is the concept of a “missionary Church”, one that goes beyond its walls to bring faith and support to those on the fringes of society. His belief in building bridges over barriers is reflected in his outreach to other Christian denominations and interfaith dialogue. In this way, Leo XIV is viewed as a unifying figure, one who actively promotes understanding across cultural and religious divides.

In addition, Pope Leo XIV has highlighted the need for inner-Church unity and reform, focusing on healing divisions between conservative and progressive wings of the Catholic community. His background in the Augustinian Order, a community known for its emphasis on education and pastoral care, reinforces his commitment to fostering learning and compassion within the Church.

Maltese Ties

Pope Leo XIV’s connection to Malta is both profound and longstanding. As the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, he frequently visited the islands, presiding over provincial chapters and building strong ties with local Augustinian communities. His familiarity with Malta’s religious and cultural landscape has been widely noted, with Archbishop Charles Scicluna remarking that Leo XIV “knows Malta well.” In fact, during his tenure as Cardinal, Prevost celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady in Mosta during a visit in 2023.

The Maltese Augustinian community has expressed pride in his election, highlighting his deep understanding of their pastoral work and his warm relationships with local clergy. Both the President and Prime Minister of Malta extended their congratulations, emphasising the strong diplomatic and spiritual bonds shared with the Holy See.

Credit to the Archdiocese of Malta: https://church.mt/category/news/

Retreived from Facebook/The Order of Malta

Looking Forward

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, expectations are high for his leadership to foster unity within the Church while extending a hand of friendship to communities worldwide. His affinity for Malta, combined with his vision for peace and justice, sets the stage for strengthened ties between the Vatican and the Maltese faithful.

The world now watches as Pope Leo XIV begins his journey, holding the promise of renewed dialogue, compassionate outreach, and enduring faith in the values of the Church.

Main Photo: Pope Leo XIV in Mosta’s Basilica. Retreieved from Facebook/John Paul Buhagiar