In Chicago, on September 14, 1955, Louis Marius Prevost, a school superintendent, and Mildred Martínez, a librarian, had baby Robert Prevost, who would then grow up alongside his two brothers, Louis and John. Born to two educators, and a mother who was a teacher and librarian for a local Catholic High School, this Chicago native hails from a family that has strong Catholic roots.
Pope Leo XIV’s family grew up in Dolton, a city outside of Chicago. It was during his childhood that the Pope became a White Sox fan, contrary to the popular Cubs fandom. Leo spent time in his youth as an altar boy and was active in the church's choir.
Pope Leo XIV’s education began in 1977 at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. He then moved to Villanova University in Pennsylvania. It was there that he studied hard to obtain a degree in Mathematics. On June 19, 1982, after entering five years of deep study and discernment among the Augustinians, the Pontiff was ordained a priest at the Chapel of Saint Monica in Rome by Archbishop Jean Jadot of Belgium.
Pope Leo XIV’s nationality is something that has caught the attention of the entire world. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he has become the first-ever American Pope. As many other Americans from large melting pot cities, Pope Leo's descent includes French, Spanish, Italian and Louisiana Creole.
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