On May 8, 2025, history was made when Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first American Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. As the 267th pontiff, the 69-year-old Chicago native now leads 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, including 53 million in the USA. While the world celebrates this Habemus Papam moment, few are talking about the lesser-known journey that shaped Robert Prevost—from his time at Villanova University to his missionary work in Peru, all rooted in the Augustinian Order. For USA readers, especially Villanova fans who cheer for the Wildcats, this story uncovers how a local institution helped forge the first American Pope.
A Chicago Kid with Augustinian Dreams
Robert Francis Prevost, born in 1955 in Dolton, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago, grew up in a working-class Catholic family. His early life revolved around St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Chicago’s far south side, where his faith took root. But it was his entry into the Augustinian Order that set him on a path to the Vatican. In 1977, Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he met lifelong mentors. The Augustinians, inspired by St. Augustine, emphasize community, humility, and service—values that would define Prevost’s career.
Prevost’s connection to the Augustinian Order deepened when he moved to Villanova University in Pennsylvania for part of his formation. Villanova, a Catholic institution founded by the Augustinians in 1842, is known for its academic rigor and basketball prowess (think 2005 NCAA tournaments). While giants focus on Prevost’s Chicago roots, his time at Villanova shaped his worldview. He studied theology, engaged in community service, and built bonds with fellow Augustinians, some of whom recall his quiet determination and humor. “Bob was always the guy who’d listen deeply and then crack a joke to lighten the mood,” a former classmate shared on X.
From Villanova to Peru: A Missionary’s Heart
After his ordination in 1982, Robert Prevost didn’t stay in the USA. The Augustinian Order sent him to Peru, where he spent over two decades as a missionary in Chulucanas, Piura. This experience, often overlooked by major outlets, was pivotal. Prevost became a naturalized Peruvian citizen, learned Spanish fluently, and worked with the poor, embodying the Augustinian call to “walk with those who suffer.” His time in Peru also honed his diplomatic skills—he later led the Augustinians’ international order for two terms, managing diverse global communities.
This Peruvian chapter resonates with USA readers who value global perspectives. Prevost’s dual citizenship (American and Peruvian) mirrors the multicultural fabric of cities like Chicago, where 28% of residents are Hispanic, per 2020 Census data. His ability to bridge cultures—North and South America—made him a unique candidate for the papacy, especially after Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away on April 21, 2025.
Villanova’s Augustinian Legacy in the Vatican
When Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, Villanova’s campus erupted in celebration. Students and alumni, many of whom follow the Wildcats’ basketball games, waved American flags and chanted “Viva il Papa!” The university’s Augustinian roots gave them a personal stake in this historic moment. Prevost is the first Augustinian Pope, a milestone for the order, which has only produced one other pontiff in 2,000 years.
The Augustinian Order’s influence on Pope Leo XIV is evident in his first speech from St. Peter’s Basilica: “Peace be with you,” he said, echoing St. Augustine’s focus on unity. Unlike giants’ recaps, which focus on this speech, we see how Prevost’s Villanova-honed values—community, service, humility—shaped his vision. His time at Villanova wasn’t just academic; it was a spiritual foundation that prepared him for global leadership, from Peru to the Dicastery for Bishops, where he appointed three women to a voting bloc under Pope Francis in 2023.
How Old Is the New Pope? A Leader for a New Era
How old is Robert Prevost? At 69, Pope Leo XIV is younger than Pope Francis was at his election (76 in 2013). His age signals a pontificate that could last a decade or more, giving him time to address pressing issues like social justice and church reform. Prevost’s moderate stance—progressive on immigration and the poor, more traditional on LGBTQ+ issues and women’s ordination—reflects a balanced approach shaped by his Augustinian roots. X posts from American Catholics show mixed reactions: some praise his focus on the marginalized, while others, like @katsykaela, call him “Francis 2.0 with Midwestern manners.”
What Does the Pope Do? A Villanova Perspective
For USA readers unfamiliar with the papacy, what does the Pope do? As the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV leads the Catholic Church, sets doctrinal direction, and acts as a global moral voice. From a Villanova lens, Prevost’s role aligns with Augustinian values: building bridges (as he said in his speech), serving the poor, and fostering dialogue. His experience at Villanova, where community service is a core pillar, prepared him to “walk with the people,” a principle he practiced in Peru and now brings to the Vatican.
Why This Matters for American Catholics
The election of the first American Pope is a game-changer for 53 million USA Catholics. Prevost’s journey—from Dolton, Illinois, to Villanova University, to Peru, and now the Vatican—shows how local institutions like Villanova can shape global leaders. For Villanova fans, this is personal: the Wildcats’ Augustinian spirit now echoes in St. Peter’s Square. For all Americans, it’s a moment of pride, as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson tweeted: “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”
What’s Next for Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will likely focus on unity and social justice, continuing Francis’ legacy while adding his own Midwestern pragmatism. His Villanova and Augustinian roots suggest a pontiff who values dialogue and service—qualities USA readers can relate to, whether they’re Catholic or just Wildcats fans. Want to share your thoughts? Comment below: How does Robert Prevost’s Villanova connection inspire you? Follow Scoop USA 24 on X for more updates on the new pope 2025!
See also – https://scoopusa24.com/janette-nesheiwat-surgeon-general-nominee-profile/