Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter’s Basilica for the first time. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, from Chicago was elected as the 267th pope on Thursday, May 8. Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first American and the first Augustinian pope.
With global experience—and ties to the Philadelphia region—Pope Leo XIV expressed wishes of peace, love and justice in his first words as pope and called for a Catholic Church that “is always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering.”
Leo XIV, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, served as a missionary, diocesan administrator and bishop in Peru.
Immaculata University’s founders, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), have direct connections to Peru via their founding of Villa Maria Academy in Miraflores in 1923, through various service initiatives benefiting Peruvian residents, and through their ministry at San Antonio School, which is located in Callao, within the diocese previously led by Leo XIV.
With such close connections to the Holy Father, Immaculata-affiliated IHM sisters in Peru are especially proud of the selection of an American pope who has built such a lasting legacy in Peru. Sister Christine Virginia, IHM, Regional Superior in Peru, commented that Pope Leo’s dedication to the people and spiritual influence in Peru has been profound, which has carried over into Immaculata’s mission of scholarship, leadership and service, and empowerment to seek truth, promote justice and engage in dialogue between faith and culture. Upholding these values, Immaculata student volunteers frequently participate in similar evangelizing work in Peru by joining in missionary trips with the IHM Sisters.
Sister Antoine Lawlor, IHM, Immaculata’s vice president for mission and ministry, shared her exuberance in learning of the first American pontiff. “The election of the first American Pope is beyond my imagination—and he’s a Chicagoan at that!” exclaimed Lawlor who previously served at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. “I can’t wait to see the effect Pope Leo XIV will have on the Church,” continued Lawlor. “In choosing the name Leo, I suspect he will uphold social justice and build bridges to bring the people of the world together.”
Sister Mary Ellen Tennity, IHM, general superior for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, shared her reaction from Rome, where she is attending the 22nd assembly of the International Union of Superiors General. “What a surprise to be present in Rome to witness the announcement of the first Pope from the United States, Pope Leo XIV,” she said. “In his first address to the world he echoes St. Augustine who calls us to ‘simply love God and love our neighbor.’”
“Pope Leo encourages the faithful to remember that ‘God loves everyone,’ Tennity continued. “These words embody the spirit of our IHM Charism of being joyful bearers of our God’s redeeming love. We hold Pope Leo XIV in our hearts and our prayers.”