Shocking: Pope Leo XIV at World Series?

A Trailblazer: Prevost’s Leadership in the Augustinian Order

Early Experiences

When 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, he was cheered loudly by the huge crowd of pilgrims, tourists, local Catholics and other onlookers who had waited hours for the first sign of white smoke and the official announcement. As a specialist in Catholic history and ritual, I know how important this moment was for Catholics and others all over the world. A new pope brings with him a sense of excitement often mixed with uncertainty. But the choice of the College of Cardinals came as a surprise to some. Prevost is the first pope from the United States, and, traditionally, the European-dominated College of Cardinals has had reservations about choosing a cardinal from the U.S. for fear of too much American influence in the church.

So, who is Prevost, and what might have influenced the cardinals’ vote? Early experiences Born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost joined a Catholic religious order at the age of 20: the Order of St. Augustine, called Augustinians, founded in the 13th century. Instead of withdrawing from the world in isolated monasteries, members of this order travel as mendicants to aid the poor as well as serve as missionaries and teachers. Prevost studied theology in the U.S. and Rome, and as a newly ordained priest he spent a year in Peru. After a short return to the U.S. as an official of the Augustinian order in Illinois, he returned to Peru as a seminary professor to teach canon law, the legal structure of the Catholic Church. He would stay in Peru for the next 10 years.

Global Experience

In 1999, he became the prior – that is, the head – of the local Augustinian province in Chicago and was later elected prior of the worldwide Augustinian order. This gave him a truly global experience, since the Augustinians had some 50 communities spread across every continent. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him bishop for the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru. In 2019, Francis appointed him a member of several important Vatican dicasteries, or departments, where he became very familiar with the central church administration. Most importantly, he served as prefect, or chairman, on the Dicastery for Bishops. Catholics hold a photo of newly elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, in front of the Cathedral of Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as bishop for several years. AP Photo/Manuel Medina

The Legacy of Pope Francis: Shaping a More Inclusive Church

During the 20th century, especially after the Second Vatican Council – a series of meetings of the world’s bishops to modernize the church, ending in 1965 – the popes began to name cardinals from other parts of the world that were previously considered to be on the periphery of the Catholic Church. And this led to popes being chosen from outside of Italy for the first time in centuries. Pope St. John Paul II was Polish and the first non-Italian pope since the 16th century. Pope Benedict XVI was another non-Italian, born in Germany, who had served as a Vatican official. Pope Francis was born in South America to parents who were Italian-born immigrants to Argentina.

Expanding the Cardinal College: Francis’s Global Vision

The College of Cardinals, which had few representatives from other continents until recently, is now much more international. Some 80% of the cardinal electors were named by Francis, many from countries that had never before had a cardinal. In reviewing his record, the cardinal electors might have taken a number of factors into account. Prevost would be an effective administrator as head of the church, given his experience in Peru and his work with the Vatican bureaucracy. His background as an Augustinian, a mendicant order, also suggests a focus on social justice and outreach to the poor, which aligns with Pope Francis’s priorities.

Modernizing the Church: Vatican II’s Enduring Impact

Vatican II was a watershed moment in the history of the Catholic Church, leading to significant reforms in liturgy, ecumenism, and the relationship between the church and the modern world. The council’s emphasis on dialogue and understanding with other faiths continues to be a guiding principle for the church today. Prevost, as a scholar of Catholic history and ritual, is well-positioned to continue this legacy of reform and openness.

Prevost’s Fit: Carrying the Torch of Reform

The choice of Prevost as Pope Leo XIV signals a continuation of the reforms initiated by Pope Francis. His experience in both the pastoral and administrative aspects of the church, coupled with his background as an Augustinian, suggests a leadership style that is both compassionate and pragmatic.

Gamestanza’s Take: What Does This Mean for You?

Cultural Impact: The American Pope in the Media

The election of the first American pope is a major cultural event, and it’s likely to be heavily covered by the media. Expect to see a lot of coverage of Pope Leo XIV’s background, his views on various issues, and his interactions with world leaders. This increased visibility of the Catholic Church in the American context could lead to greater understanding and dialogue between Catholics and those of other faiths.

Faith and Globalization: Exploring the Intersection

Pope Leo XIV’s election highlights the growing influence of the global south in the Catholic Church. As the church becomes more diverse and representative of the world’s population, we can expect to see a greater emphasis on issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. This shift in focus may lead to more effective and compassionate responses to these global challenges.

Looking Ahead: Prevost’s Priorities and Potential Challenges

As the new pope, Prevost will face many challenges, including maintaining unity within the church, addressing issues of sexual abuse, and navigating the complex political landscape of the 21st century. His background suggests that he will prioritize social justice and outreach to the poor, but it remains to be seen how he will handle these other pressing issues. Gamestanza will continue to monitor the papacy of Pope Leo XIV and provide insights into his leadership and the impact of his decisions on the world.