Ashes on Air

, , , , , ,

Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope’s Story and Struggles

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, Robert Francis Prevost, was celebrated for his Chicago roots and extensive service. However, allegations of mishandling sexual abuse cases challenge his leadership. Prevost advocates for helping the poor and nurturing faith while uniting a divided Church. His future remains uncertain amid ongoing scrutiny.

Ashes
6–8 minutes

When Pope Leo XIV appeared on St. Peter’s balcony on May 8, 2025, I felt a surge of pride as a Catholic—this was the first American pope, a Chicago guy named Robert Francis Prevost. At 69, he’s walked a long road from parish altars to the Vatican, carrying a pastor’s heart and a global vision. But his story isn’t all white smoke and cheers; allegations of mishandling abuse cases have stirred questions. Here’s a look at who he is, what he’s done, and the challenges he faces, told like I’m sharing it over coffee.

Growing up in Chicago


Robert Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago’s Dolton neighborhood. His dad, Louis, was a school superintendent and Navy vet who taught faith classes at St. Mary of the Assumption parish. His mom, Mildred Martínez, was a librarian with a knack for cooking that drew priests to their home. Robert and his brothers, Louis and John, grew up in a warm, Catholic family with French, Italian, and Spanish roots. As an altar boy, Robert caught the faith bug early, inspired by his dad and the priests who became like family.

He was a sharp student, studying at an Augustinian seminary, earning a math degree from Villanova University in 1977, a divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in 1982, and a canon law degree from a Roman university in 1984. That mix of brains and heart set him up for a big life.

Why a Priest? Finding his calling


The 1960s were a wild time, but Prevost’s faith stayed steady. His dad’s teaching, his parish, and those priestly visitors sparked something in him. He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, drawn to their focus on community and the idea of loving God through serving others. He took vows in 1978 and 1981, and in 1982, a progressive archbishop ordained him in Rome. For Prevost, being an Augustinian meant living simply and walking with people, not standing above them.

A Life of Service: From Peru to Pope
Prevost’s 43 years as a priest have taken him around the world. Here’s the rundown:

Prevost’s 43 years as a priest have taken him around the world. Here’s the rundown:

  • Peru Missionary (1985–1998): He worked as a pastor, teacher, and church official in Peru, falling in love with the culture so much he became a citizen in 2015.
  • Augustinian Leader (2001–2013): He ran the global Augustinian order, elected twice, keeping things united and mission-focused.
  • Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2015–2023): He led a diocese through tough times, earning praise but also facing criticism.
  • Vatican Bigwig (2023–2025): Named a cardinal in 2023, he helped pick bishops worldwide as head of a key Vatican office.
  • Pope Leo XIV (2025–Now): Chosen by 133 cardinals, he’s leading 1.4 billion Catholics, a first for an American.

His time in Peru gave him a deep connection to the Global South, making him a pope who gets both the U.S. and beyond.

What’s He Like?


Prevost isn’t your stereotypical stiff cleric. A colleague from Chiclayo, Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, says he’s got a “good humor and joy” that lifts people up, even when things get rough. He hates the idea of bishops acting like royalty, saying they should listen and stay close to folks. Picture a guy who’d share a burger and a laugh, but also wake up early to pray. His Chicago roots and Augustinian simplicity keep him real, and I can’t help but like that.

His Views


Prevost’s views sit in the middle, building on Pope Francis’s ideas while holding tight to Church roots. Here’s what he’s about:

  • Helping the Poor: He’s all in for the poor, migrants, and protecting the planet, like Francis’s push for a greener world.
  • Church Changes: He’s okay with divorced Catholics receiving Communion and wants the Church to make decisions together, not top-down.
  • LGBTQ Topics: He’s open to blessing same-sex couples in a pastoral way but worries about “gender ideology” and cultural shifts in the West.
  • Faith Today: He wants Catholics to stay strong in a world that’s less religious, pushing back on trends he sees as shaky.

People on X are split—some call him a solid traditionalist, others say he’s Francis 2.0. He’s trying to keep everyone in the same boat, which isn’t easy.

First Words as Pope


On May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV stepped out and said, “Peace be with you,” in Italian and Spanish. He talked about his Augustinian life and his years in Peru, asking the Church to “walk together” and talk openly. It felt like a promise to heal divisions, and as a Catholic, I found it hopeful, like a fresh start.

Family and Friends


Prevost’s parents, Louis and Mildred, and his brothers, Louis and John, were his foundation, though we don’t know if they’re still around. As a priest, he’s got no wife or kids, pouring his life into the Church. We don’t hear much about his buddies, but his quick rise suggests he’s got friends in high places, like cardinals who back Francis. Some traditionalists might not love his middle-of-the-road style, but no one’s calling them enemies outright. His U.S.-Peruvian identity makes him a global guy, comfortable in both worlds.

The Tough Stuff: Allegations


Not everything about Prevost shines. Allegations of mishandling sexual abuse cases have followed him, and they hit hard for a lot of us Catholics. Here’s what’s going on:

  • Chiclayo, Peru (2015–2023): Three sisters, including Ana Maria Quispe, say priests Eleuterio Vásquez Gonzáles and Ricardo Yesquen abused them as kids from 2006 to 2010. They told Prevost in 2020 and met him in 2022, but claim he didn’t investigate properly—no interviews, no support. The diocese says he started an investigation, pulled Vásquez from ministry, and sent reports to the Vatican, which closed the case in 2022 but reopened it in 2023 after Quispe went public. She says 14 more victims have spoken up, and the Vatican’s still looking into it.
  • Chicago (2000): When Prevost was an Augustinian leader, he let Father James Ray, accused of abuse, live near a school without telling anyone. Ray got kicked out of the priesthood in 2012. Prevost’s team says this was under old safety rules, but critics say it put kids at risk.
  • Survivors’ Complaint (March 2025): A group called SNAP filed a complaint, saying Prevost covered up abuse. His office denies it, and a Vatican check didn’t find a cover-up, but the issue’s not settled.

These stories are tough to hear. They make you wonder how someone so pastoral could miss the mark, and they’re a big test for his leadership.

What’s Ahead for Pope Leo XIV?


Leading 1.4 billion Catholics is no joke, and Prevost’s got his work cut out. He’s got to bridge Church divides, handle America’s messy politics, and keep faith alive in a secular world. The abuse allegations, still under review, could shape how people see him. His fans love his down-to-earth style and push for a kinder Church, but others want answers on those allegations. His legacy depends on how he listens—to survivors, to the faithful, to the world.

I see Prevost as a person like you and I. Let’s see what the future holds.

Get the Latest: Subscribe to Ashes on Air at

Quick Questions
Why’s Pope Leo XIV a big deal?
He’s the first American pope, mixing U.S. and Peruvian vibes for a global Church.

What does he want to do?
Bring people together, help the poor, care for the planet, and keep faith strong.

What’s up with the abuse allegations?
He’s accused of not handling abuse cases well in Peru and Chicago, though his team denies covering anything up.

© 2025 Ashes on Air. All rights reserved. Contact Us: https://ashesonair.org/contact | Privacy Policy: https://ashesonair.org/privacy

Sources

Discover more from Ashes on Air

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Your voice is important to us, and we truly value your input. Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or simply want to share your perspective, we’re excited to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to make a positive impact on our community. Looking forward to your comments!

Trending

Discover more from Ashes on Air

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading