Pope Leo XIV

Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago celebrates the historic election of one of its own, Cardinal Robert Prevost, OSA— now Pope Leo XIV— as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Leo earned his Master of Divinity degree from CTU in 1982 and was ordained the following year.    

CTU’s Master of Divinity (M. Div.) program prepares students for full-time professional ministry in the Roman Catholic Church, including ordination to the priesthood. Students at CTU study theology and ministry that is both grounded in tradition and engaged with current contexts. The M.Div. degree integrates rigorous theological and pastoral studies, preparing students to serve in dynamic and diverse contexts and ministries throughout the world.

Born in Chicago in 1955 to a multicultural family of Hispanic, French, and Italian heritage, Pope Leo XIV joined the Augustinians in 1977 and began his theological formation at CTU shortly thereafter. His early ministry took him to northern Peru, where he served as a pastor, educator, and canon law expert. His leadership trajectory led him from the Augustinian Province of Chicago to his appointment as Prior General of the worldwide Augustinian Order.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and in 2023, he was named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and created Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica. President Barbara Reid, OP, joined Pope Leo at his consecration as Cardinal. His election as Pope underscores his lifelong dedication to service, global mission, and ecclesial leadership.