On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick took listeners on a heartfelt journey through the life of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an altar boy from the South Side of Chicago who now stands as the Vicar of Christ. From humble beginnings in Illinois to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new Holy Father’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Dolton, Illinois, Robert Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, a French-Italian Navy veteran, and his mother, Mildred Martínez, a Spanish-Creole librarian with Louisiana roots, instilled in him a strong Catholic foundation. He also has two brothers, Louis Martin and John Joseph.
Young Robert served as an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption parish, where he first encountered the sacredness of the altar.
A bright student, Robert attended Villanova University, where he studied math and graduated in 1977. In 1978, he entered the Order of St. Augustine, professed his vows in 1981, and was ordained a priest a year later.
He pursued further studies in theology in Chicago and earned a doctorate in canon law from the Angelicum in Rome. These formative years laid the groundwork for his intellectual and spiritual depth—a hallmark of his future.
Pope Leo XIV didn’t stay confined to the halls of academia for long. He went on to serve as a missionary priest in Peru, where he connected deeply with the local community. His fluency in multiple languages and commitment to social justice endeared him to the people, and he eventually became a bishop there.
Later, he led the Augustinian order as Prior General twice, gaining global experience and a reputation as a bridge-builder among diverse cultures. Before the conclave, he served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, pivotal roles under Pope Francis’ leadership.
In 2023, Robert Prevost was made a cardinal, and by early 2025, he was elevated to Cardinal Bishop, one of the highest ranks in the Church. It was a swift and surprising rise, culminating in the moment he stood on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, eyes glistening with emotion, and proclaimed his first words as Pope Leo XIV.
During his first Mass as Pope, he opened his homily with a verse from the Psalms:
“I will sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvels… not just with me, but with all of us, my brother Cardinals.”
The humility in his words sends a signal that, despite his new role, he remains deeply rooted in prayer and unity.
Pope Leo XIV’s diverse background gives him a unique cultural depth. He has vast experience in Latin America and is fluent in Italian, Latin, Spanish, French, and English, making him a truly global pope for a global Church.
From altar boy to the successor of Peter, Pope Leo XIV’s journey is a story of faith, humility, and a life committed to the Gospel.
Stay tuned to Relevant Radio for more updates and reflections as the world gets to know the man who will lead the Church in these challenging times.
