Having shared that basic information, he is considered a moderate or centrist, a bridge between the social justice warrior faction of the Church, like Pope Francis, and the more traditionalist elements like those who oppose ordination of women as priests.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost spent the early part of his career there working for the Augustinians, the Order of St Augustine.
He served in Peru from 1985 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1998 as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher and administrator. He was made a Cardinal only in 2023.
He served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, since 2023, the entity which appoints and supervises Bishops, a prominent role that elevated his profile as a potential Papal candidate.
He also served as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and was general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
The Augustinians, with the approbation of Pope Leo XIII, also encourage the devotion of the Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Therefore, it makes sense that he chose the name Leo.
“The papal name Leo unsurprisingly shows a Pope who is going to be strong during a time of crisis, historically,” he said. The last Pope to choose the name Leo was 147 years ago. Pope Leo XIII led the Church from 1878 to 1903. The first pope of the name, Pope Leo the Great, led the church from 440-461.
Let us hope he is strong like the Lion, and can protect the Church from the onslaught of those who have tried to harm it, both from within and from outside hatred. Amen.
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