Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever elected to the papacy, carries with him a legacy shaped by both faith and patriotism. Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he is the son of Mildred (née Martínez) and Louis Marius Prevost, a proud U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
His father, Lieutenant Louis Prevost, served with distinction in the Mediterranean Theater during the war. Following his military service, Louis devoted his life to education, working as a school administrator in the Chicago suburbs. He passed away on November 8, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication that continues to inspire.
As Pope Leo XIV leads the global Catholic Church, his American roots and the values instilled by a veteran father remain a quiet but powerful part of his story.