In a moment that marked a turning point for the Catholic Church, history was made on May 8,2025. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the first-ever US-born Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. For centuries, the papacy had been dominated by European leaders – making the election of an American-born Pope a surprising and powerful symbol of change that resonated across religious and political circles worldwide.
Formerly an Augustinian priest who performed extensive missionary work in Peru, Pope Leo XIV has earned widespread praise for his commitment to serving marginalized communities and fostering unity within the church. Today we will look at the impressive rise of the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. We will explore how a man born in the United States ascended to the most sacred office in the Catholic Church, from his humble beginnings to his elevation within the ranks of the church and what this means for the future of the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV: a Short Biography
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was a school superintendent, while his mother, Mildred Martinez, was a librarian who was deeply involved in parish life. Pope Leo grew up alongside his two older siblings in Dolton, Illinois, a town just outside of Chicago.
As a young boy, Prevost attended the St. Mary of the Assumption Church parish school and later St. Augustine Seminary High School, a minor seminary in Holland Michigan. In 1977, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Villanova University. That same year he began his novitiate in the Augustinian order and took his solemn vows four years later. He was ordained as a priest in 1982.
For ten years, Prevost led the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo, where he taught canon law at the diocesan seminary, oversaw academic programs as prefect of studies, served as a judge in the regional church court, and ministered in parishes on the city’s outskirts. He played a key role in the Augustinians’ mission to encourage more Peruvians to pursue the priesthood and take on leadership roles within the order. Additionally, he helped coordinate aid for Venezuelan refugees in Peru, even in the face of widespread discrimination against them.
Francis’s road to the Vatican was paved with many important personal milestones and historic events. Below are some that were foundational to his evolution from ordained priest to Holy Father.
1977: Graduates from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics
1982: Ordained as a priest of Order of St. Augustine
1985-1986: Sent to the Augustinian mission in Peru
1999: Elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago
2001: Elected as Prior General by the ordinary General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine
2013: Served as director of formation at the Saint Augustine Covent, first councilor, and provincial vicar
2014: Appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Chiclayo
2023: Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops
2023: Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis
2025: Elected Pope Leo XIV
The Papal Conclave, Election and Worldwide Response
While the election of Robert Prevost to head of the Catholic Church made headlines, fewer people may be familiar with the centuries-old process behind choosing a Pope. Known as a “conclave,” this highly secretive and deeply spiritual tradition requires a two-thirds majority vote from the College of Cardinals before a new Pope can be named – a process rooted in history, ritual, and the pursuit of unity within the Church.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the conclave. Of the total number of cardinals, 135 were age-eligible to serve as electors for the 2025 conclave. The process can last a few hours or go as long as several weeks. Fun fact: In the 13th century, the Catholic Church experienced its longest papal conclave, taking nearly three years – exactly 1,006 days – to select a new Pope after the death of Pope Clement IV. The secretive election that ultimately chose Pope Gregory X spanned from November 1268 to September 1271.
In this instance, the conclave ended after the second day of voting on Thursday, May 8, marking one of the shortest conclaves in history. The day served as a celebratory one, especially for those who were excited to see the first American-elected Pope, and eager for someone to usher in a fresh perspective and meaningful spiritual direction. Many championed Pope Leo XIV, recognizing him for his humility, wisdom, compassion and thoughtful approach, which can offer an opportunity to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to their educational mission while forging a new path forward.
Collectibles and Jewelry: Celebrating the New Pope
The Bradford Exchange is proud to offer a wide selection of religious gifts, including religious jewelry that celebrate faith, hope and devotion. And we’re especially honored to introduce to you our exclusive tributes to Pope Leo XIV, commemorating his historic election and the recognizing the message of unity and renewal he brings to the world. These collectible keepsakes and fine jewelry are a wonderful way to mark a new era of papacy and are sure to be cherished by those who keep faith close to their heart. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Catholic Charities serving those in need in honor of Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV Genuine Topaz Cross Medallion Pendant Necklace
The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever American Pope, ushers in a remarkable new chapter, sparking a sense of pride and renewed hope among the faithful. This handcrafted medallion pendant honors this historical moment with a full color image of the new Pontiff between 2 crosses. 18K gold platedaccents surround the Pope in 2 gleaming rings while the back of the pendant features a cross created with 10 genuine topaz gems. This unisex necklace arrives with a velvet jewelry pouch, keepsake card and custom gift box.
Pope Leo XIV Proof Coin Collection
The arrival of the newest papal leader is gloriously venerated with this unique collection of 24K gold-plated commemorative Proofs featuring full-color portraits of the Holy Father. The front of each coin depicts an important event from his reign, emphasized by privy marks with the Papal Emblem, while the backs showcase a sculpted image of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican along with the inscription, “HABEMUS PAPAM MMXXV” (We Have a Pope 2025). The Proofs are protected within crystal-clear capsules and a custom display case is included with your collection.
Pope Leo XIV Wooden Wall Plaque Collection
On May 8, 2025, after only 2 days, the papal conclave revealed that Robert Francis Prevost would become the first American elected to Pope. Now, this religious moment and other significant ones from Vatican City are celebrated in a limited-edition wall plaque collection, featuring full-color portraits along with inspiring quotes from the Holy Father. Masterfully handcrafted with a metal art plate mounted to a handsome wooden plaque, each uplifting tribute makes an inspiring addition to your home and a heartfelt religious gift for any person of faith.
Pope Leo XIV Framed Art Print with Medallion
As white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney on May 8, 2025, history was made with a new elected Pope. Impressively sized at over a foot wide, this collectible art print captures that historic moment with a full-color, montage-style photograph of Pope Leo XIV in front of the Sistine Chapel, an excerpt from his first blessing and a raised-relief metal medallion denoting his name and “FIRST AMERICAN POPE”. Arriving ready to hang with bevel-edged matting in burgundy and white in a mahogany-finished wooden frame, it makes a glorious tribute sure to add religious inspiration to your home.
Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope Sculpture
A beacon of hope and light for the world, Pope Leo XIV represents a new era for the Catholic Church. Now, the Holy Father shines in this handcrafted sculpture that recreates his likeness with authentic details from head to toe. From his red satin shawl to his cross and chain sculpted in bas-relief to the base hand-painted in an antique golden hue with the words from his first blessing: “Peace Be With You All”, it’s an inspiring way to relive the historic day he became our Pope.
Looking for more in-depth tributes to important historical figures? You might be interested in reading our special memorials to Pope Frances and Queen Elizabeth II:
The Life and Legacy of Pope Frances
The Life and Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
Thank you for reading our post on the rise of Pope Leo XIV. We hope you will consider bringing home a collectible celebration our new Pope today. And while you’re shopping, we invite you to explore the rest of what The Bradford Exchange has to offer, including fine jewelry, apparel, home decor, heartfelt gifts and exclusive artistic tributes to a myriad of interests. Have a blessed day!
How Did an American Become Pope? The Rise of Pope Leo XIV by The Bradford Exchange
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