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POPE LEO XIV: FROM CHICAGO CHILDHOOD TO FRANCE
From a working family on Chicago’s South Side to the Vatican — and now a historic visit to France
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has arrived in France for a four-day visit that brings together religion, European history, artificial intelligence, peace and the protection of human dignity. The visit, taking place from September 25–28, 2026, includes Paris, Lourdes and Metz.
But behind the white robes and worldwide responsibilities of the papacy is the story of a boy who grew up in Chicago, attended a Catholic school and became involved in his local parish from an early age.
A CHILDHOOD IN CHICAGO
Robert Francis Prevost was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, and was the youngest of three sons.
His parents, Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Agnes Martínez, were deeply involved in their Catholic parish. His father had served in the US Navy during the Second World War before becoming an educator, while his mother worked as a librarian.
Young Robert attended Saint Mary School of the Assumption and grew up closely connected to the Church. As a teenager, he attended Saint Augustine Seminary High School in Michigan, where he was involved in school leadership, the yearbook and library club, as well as sports including tennis and bowling.
His childhood therefore combined education, family life, Catholic faith and community involvement — experiences that would later become important parts of his life as a priest and bishop.
FRENCH ROOTS IN HIS FAMILY
Although Pope Leo XIV is American-born, his family history has an important French connection.
His paternal grandmother, Suzanne Fontaine, was born in Le Havre, France, in 1894 and later emigrated to the United States. Genealogical research has traced French ancestry through her family, including roots in Normandy and the surrounding regions.
This makes his arrival in France particularly significant from a personal family-history perspective. He is not simply visiting a country with an ancient Catholic tradition; France is also part of his family’s ancestral story.
His wider ancestry is described as diverse, with French, Italian, Spanish and other family roots documented by genealogical research.
FROM MATHEMATICS TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Before becoming a priest, Prevost studied mathematics at Villanova University, graduating in 1977, while also studying philosophy.
He subsequently entered the Order of Saint Augustine, beginning a religious journey that eventually took him to Rome and then to Peru.
He was ordained a priest in 1982 and later obtained a doctorate in canon law. His work in Peru became a major part of his life, where he served as a missionary, parish priest, teacher and religious leader.
YEARS IN PERU
Prevost spent many years working in Peru, serving communities and taking on increasingly senior responsibilities within the Augustinian order and the Catholic Church.
In 2014 he became Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo and was subsequently appointed Bishop of Chiclayo. He later moved to Rome, where Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023.
His career therefore stretched across three very different worlds: the United States, Latin America and the Vatican.
THE ROAD TO THE PAPACY
On 8 May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope and chose the name Leo XIV.
He became the 267th successor of Saint Peter, the first pope from the United States and the first Augustinian pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
His background is consequently unusual: an American childhood, French and other European ancestry, decades of missionary experience in Peru and years working within the Vatican.
WHY FRANCE MATTERS
Pope Leo’s September 2026 visit is the first official papal visit to France since Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2008. His programme includes meetings with French authorities, young people and Catholic communities, a visit to UNESCO in Paris, the sanctuary at Lourdes and an event in Metz focused on Europe’s future, peace and unity.
The Pope’s opening day in Paris included meetings with President Emmanuel Macron, a visit to UNESCO and prayer at Notre-Dame Cathedral. He has used the trip to discuss the dignity of human life, peace and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
A POPE LOOKING BACK — AND FORWARD
The France visit brings together several parts of Leo XIV’s story: his Catholic upbringing, his European family roots, his years of international service and his present role as leader of the Catholic Church.
From a Chicago childhood to the Vatican, and now to France — a country connected to his own family history — Pope Leo XIV’s journey represents a life shaped by different cultures, countries and communities.
His visit to France is therefore not only a religious journey. It is also an opportunity to look at the history of the man behind the papal robes and the childhood and family background that preceded his rise to one of the world’s most prominent religious positions.
Attached is a news article regarding pope Leo visiting France
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmq8j904212po
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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