Pope Leo XIV – Our Pope! 

Early Life

Pope Leo XIV was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, USA. His baptised name is Robert Francis Prevost. As a child, he went to a Catholic school, loved helping at church and served as an altar boy.

Learning and Faith

He studied maths at university, but he also felt called by God. He became a priest in 1982, joining the Augustinian Order—a group of priests who live, work and pray together.

Helping Others

Father Robert (as he was known) spent many years in Peru, helping poor communities. He taught people about Jesus, helped in schools, and served in churches. He became a bishop in Peru and worked hard to care for everyone in his community.

Becoming Pope

In 2023, he was made a cardinal, a special helper of the Pope. Then, on May 8, 2025, he was chosen to become the new Pope!
He chose the name Pope Leo XIV. This makes him the first American Pope in history! He also speaks English and Spanish and has lived in both the USA and Peru.

What Makes Him Special?

Pope Leo XIV is known for being:

Kind and caring

A good listener

Close to the poor and those in need

A hard worker for peace and justice

He wants the Church to be a place where everyone feels welcome and loved.

A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Dear God,
Thank you for giving us Pope Leo XIV.
Help him to lead with love, kindness, and truth.
Bless him as he guides your Church.
Amen.

At St Joseph’s, educating the whole child is central to everything we do, whether through lessons, sports or breaktime. We see each child as unique and created in the image of God. We perceive each child as having a positive role in the world, their own talents, skills and personalities.